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Franklin and Marshall College vs Wilkes University

Franklin and Marshall College is a private college in Lancaster, PA, and Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Franklin and Marshall College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 28% of applicants against 91% at Wilkes University. Wilkes University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $27,743 a year against $36,425 at Franklin and Marshall College. About 85% of students graduate at Franklin and Marshall College, compared with 62% at Wilkes University. Ten years after enrolling, Franklin and Marshall College alumni earn a median of about $76,124, against $63,454 for Wilkes University.

Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lancaster, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,799
1,985
Acceptance rate
28%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1463
1020–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,425
$27,743
Full cost / yr
$85,776
$56,765
In-state tuition
$70,794
$43,496
Out-of-state tuition
$70,794
$43,496
Application fee
$60
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,321
$25,062
$30k - $48k
$16,942
$23,440
$48k - $75k
$16,245
$26,432
$75k - $110k
$25,104
$27,843
Over $110k
$49,996
$31,638
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
62%
Freshman retention
90%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,544
$54,128
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,124
$63,454
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
34%
First-generation students
19%
35%
International students
17%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Wilkes University harder to get into?
Franklin and Marshall College is harder to get into. It admits about 28% of applicants, compared with 91% at Wilkes University. 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 Wilkes University?
Wilkes University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,743 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 Wilkes University?
Before aid, Wilkes University costs about $56,765 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 Wilkes University?
Franklin and Marshall College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,321 there, against about $25,062 at Wilkes 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 Wilkes University?
Wilkes University is the larger of the two, with about 1,985 undergraduates against 1,799 at Franklin and Marshall College.
Does Franklin and Marshall College or Wilkes University have a better graduation rate?
Franklin and Marshall College has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 62% at Wilkes University.
Do graduates of Franklin and Marshall College or Wilkes University earn more?
Franklin and Marshall College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,124 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,454 for Wilkes University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Franklin and Marshall College and Wilkes University require SAT or ACT scores?
Franklin and Marshall College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wilkes University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Franklin and Marshall College and Wilkes University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1463 at Franklin and Marshall College and 1020–1250 at Wilkes University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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