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Franklin and Marshall College vs Muhlenberg College

Franklin and Marshall College is a private college in Lancaster, PA, and Muhlenberg College is a private college in Allentown, PA. Franklin and Marshall College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 28% of applicants against 72% at Muhlenberg College. Muhlenberg College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,905 a year against $36,425 at Franklin and Marshall College. About 85% of students graduate at Franklin and Marshall College, compared with 81% at Muhlenberg College. Ten years after enrolling, Franklin and Marshall College alumni earn a median of about $76,124, against $69,107 for Muhlenberg College.

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

Muhlenberg College

Allentown, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lancaster, PA
Allentown, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,799
1,727
Acceptance rate
28%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1463
1250–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,425
$28,905
Full cost / yr
$85,776
$77,270
In-state tuition
$70,794
$62,805
Out-of-state tuition
$70,794
$62,805
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,321
$12,302
$30k - $48k
$16,942
$16,629
$48k - $75k
$16,245
$19,717
$75k - $110k
$25,104
$25,452
Over $110k
$49,996
$37,603
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
81%
Freshman retention
90%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,544
$53,265
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,124
$69,107
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$25,455
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
21%
First-generation students
19%
16%
International students
17%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 16
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College harder to get into?
Franklin and Marshall College is harder to get into. It admits about 28% of applicants, compared with 72% at Muhlenberg College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College?
Muhlenberg College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,905 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,425 at Franklin and Marshall College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Franklin and Marshall College and Muhlenberg College?
Before aid, Muhlenberg College costs about $77,270 a year and Franklin and Marshall College about $85,776. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College?
Muhlenberg College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,302 there, against about $12,321 at Franklin and Marshall College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College?
Franklin and Marshall College is the larger of the two, with about 1,799 undergraduates against 1,727 at Muhlenberg College.
Does Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College have a better graduation rate?
Franklin and Marshall College has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 81% at Muhlenberg College.
Do graduates of Franklin and Marshall College or Muhlenberg College earn more?
Franklin and Marshall College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,124 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,107 for Muhlenberg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Franklin and Marshall College and Muhlenberg College require SAT or ACT scores?
Franklin and Marshall College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Muhlenberg College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Franklin and Marshall College and Muhlenberg College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1463 at Franklin and Marshall College and 1250–1410 at Muhlenberg College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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