Franklin and Marshall College

F&M’s academic vibe is rigorous but not cutthroat, with standout programs in biochemistry, neuroscience, and creative writing (the latter producing more majors than sociology). Small classes are the norm—the school boasts a 9:1 student-faculty ratio—and undergrads frequently collaborate with professors on research. The curriculum is classic liberal arts, though pre-professional tracks like business and engineering draw interest. Quirky interdisciplinary certificates (e.g., Arts for Social Change) let students tailor their path, but STEM dominates: 5% of grads major in biology, outpacing humanities fields.

Life at F&M revolves around College Houses—residential communities that blend dorm life with intellectual programming (think: faculty-led discussions over pizza). Socially, it’s a work-hard, play-hard scene: Greek life claims about 30% of students, and weekends mix parties with cultural events. Some students report feeling pressure to "prove" their worth academically, and the small size can feel claustrophobic. But the upside is intimacy—professors host summer potlucks, and the Instagram feed brims with undergrads presenting research alongside mentors.

F&M delivers on ROI: 92% of grads land jobs or grad school spots within six months, and the median early-career salary ($76,124) tops the national average by $20K. Alumni networks are strong in Philly and NYC, especially for finance and science careers. The 4-year graduation rate is a solid 72%, though that jumps to 86% when including students who take longer—evidence of the school’s support for stragglers. Notably, PayScale data shows mid-career salaries spike to $141,500, suggesting F&M’s liberal arts foundation pays dividends over time.

At $73,210 per year, F&M’s sticker price is steep, but 61% of students receive aid, with an average grant of $36,264. The Commonwealth Commitment covers full tuition for PA families earning under $100K, and the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many middle-income students pay $37K–$45K after aid. Still, 51% take out loans, and the school’s aid packages sometimes lean on work-study. For high-achieving applicants, F&M can be surprisingly generous—its aid awards often rival those of wealthier peers.

F&M is the Goldilocks of liberal arts colleges: selective enough to feel prestigious, but not so cutthroat that students drown. Its science programs punch above their weight (biochemistry grads often land top med schools), while creative writing and arts certificates attract quirky, interdisciplinary types. The College House system fosters community without feeling gimmicky, and Lancaster—a charming small city with Amtrak access to Philly—offers more than the typical college town. For students who want rigor without the Ivy League ego, F&M is a compelling choice—if the aid package works.