Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education Lancaster, Pennsylvania 31.8% Acceptance Rate

Franklin and Marshall College (ETS) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3003 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.fandm.edu/

Franklin and Marshall College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

31.8%Acceptance Rate
1394Avg SAT
31Avg ACT
$83,184Annual Cost
$76,124Grad Salary
16.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
31.8%
Avg SAT
1394
Avg ACT
31
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1298–1460
ACT Middle 50%
29–32
Need-Based Aid
16.7% receive Pell

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 31.8%. 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.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Franklin and Marshall College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 31.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

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.

Check Your Admission Chances at ETS

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Franklin and Marshall College's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

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 2026 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.

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.

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

Franklin and Marshall College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1394 — Competitive

This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1394 on the SAT.

SAT Math
685
SAT Reading
694
Composite
1394
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

SAT score percentiles for Franklin and Marshall College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math685640730
SAT Reading694658730
SAT Composite139412981460

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

Franklin and Marshall College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 31 — Very Competitive

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

ACT score percentiles for Franklin and Marshall College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math292731
ACT English322935
ACT Composite312932

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

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ETS

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At ETS, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

ETS Profile

Full Name
Franklin and Marshall College (ETS)
City
Lancaster
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
17604-3003
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)

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 the graduate 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.

16.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.2 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.

$83,184Annual Cost
16.7%Pell Grant
44.2%Federal Loan
$76,124Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Chapman University Orange, CA 1353 30
Pepperdine University Malibu, CA 1367 29
Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA 1367 32
University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 1353 31
University of Denver Denver, CO 1344 31
United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO 1362 30
Wheaton College Wheaton, IL 1363 30
Centre College Danville, KY 1345 29
St. John's College Annapolis, MD 1381 31
Emerson College Boston, MA 1359 32
Same Competitive

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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO 1403 31
Trinity College Hartford, CT 1396 32
American University Washington, DC 1392 31
University of Florida Gainesville, FL 1397 31
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute, IN 1389 32
More Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Northeastern University Oakland Oakland, CA 1472 32
Occidental College Los Angeles, CA 1461 33
Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO 1445 33
George Washington University Washington, DC 1433 33
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA 1447 31

Degree Programs at ETS

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Franklin and Marshall College →

Frequently Asked Questions About ETS Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $76,124 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

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.

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 official financial aid page of the institute for details.

The acceptance rate of Franklin and Marshall College is 31.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

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.

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.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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