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Franklin and Marshall College vs Villanova University

Franklin and Marshall College is a private college in Lancaster, PA, and Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. Villanova University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 28% at Franklin and Marshall College. Franklin and Marshall College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,425 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 92% of students graduate at Villanova University, compared with 85% at Franklin and Marshall College. Ten years after enrolling, Villanova University alumni earn a median of about $100,423, against $76,124 for Franklin and Marshall College.

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Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lancaster, PA
Villanova, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,799
6,938
Acceptance rate
28%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1463
1395–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,425
$43,756
Full cost / yr
$85,776
$84,793
In-state tuition
$70,794
$67,776
Out-of-state tuition
$70,794
$67,776
Application fee
$60
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,321
$17,823
$30k - $48k
$16,942
$16,496
$48k - $75k
$16,245
$20,923
$75k - $110k
$25,104
$33,389
Over $110k
$49,996
$58,741
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
92%
Freshman retention
90%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,544
$84,905
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,124
$100,423
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$25,874
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
12%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
17%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

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 Villanova University harder to get into?
Villanova University is harder to get into. It admits about 27% of applicants, compared with 28% 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.
Which is cheaper, Franklin and Marshall College or Villanova University?
Franklin and Marshall College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,425 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova University. 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 Villanova University?
Before aid, Villanova University costs about $84,793 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 Villanova University?
Franklin and Marshall College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,321 there, against about $17,823 at Villanova University. 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is the larger of the two, with about 6,938 undergraduates against 1,799 at Franklin and Marshall College.
Does Franklin and Marshall College or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 85% at Franklin and Marshall College.
Do graduates of Franklin and Marshall College or Villanova University earn more?
Villanova University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,423 ten years after enrolling, against about $76,124 for Franklin and Marshall College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Franklin and Marshall College and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
Franklin and Marshall College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Franklin and Marshall College and Villanova University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1463 at Franklin and Marshall College and 1395–1510 at Villanova University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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