Franklin and Marshall College, founded in 1787 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of America's oldest liberal arts institutions. The college's 170-acre campus blends historic buildings like Old Main with state-of-the-art facilities including the Susan and Benjamin Winter Visual Arts Center. F&M is renowned for its strong science programs, particularly in neuroscience and environmental science, supported by a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables 70% of students to engage in faculty-mentored research. The college's distinctive House System creates small residential communities that foster intellectual and social growth. With a global focus evident in its 60+ study abroad programs and diverse student body representing 45+ countries, F&M prepares graduates for leadership in an interconnected world. Recent initiatives include the $75 million Next Generation Initiative to expand access and innovation.
Franklin and Marshall College Acceptance Rate
Franklin and Marshall College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Franklin and Marshall College is 31.83%. This means that 32 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Franklin and Marshall College Admission Requirements
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Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Franklin and Marshall College Average SAT Score: 1394
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Franklin and Marshall College is 1394 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1394 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1460 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Franklin and Marshall College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1298, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ETS.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 685 | 640 | 730 |
| SAT Reading | 694 | 658 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1394 | 1298 | 1460 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1298 then you are below most of the admitted students at ETS and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1460 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) are good but the admission staff at ETS tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at ETS is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Franklin and Marshall College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 27 | 31 |
| ACT English | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 29 | 32 |
Can I get into Franklin and Marshall College with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Franklin and Marshall College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Franklin and Marshall College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Franklin and Marshall College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Franklin and Marshall College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.ETS Profile
Name: Franklin and Marshall College (ETS)
City: Lancaster
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 17604-3003
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Can I Get Into ETS Without SAT Or ACT?: Franklin and Marshall College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a ETS degree Worth It?
Getting into ETS can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ETS offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ETS is $85,300 and unemployment rate is 2.82%.
How much does a degree from ETS Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Franklin and Marshall College is $83,184. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Franklin and Marshall College is much less than this.
16.68% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.22 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ETS and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Franklin and Marshall College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ETS as your choice in the form.
How much does a ETS Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $76,124. An average ETS graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Franklin and Marshall College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Emerson College, MA | 1359 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Franklin and Marshall College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN | 1389 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Franklin and Marshall College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin and Marshall College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $76,124 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $83,184 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 16.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Franklin and Marshall College is 31.83% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Franklin and Marshall College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1394 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1298-1460
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Franklin and Marshall College.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.