F&M vs. American Public University System

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with American Public University System in Charles Town, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American Public University System is larger than F&M based on total student enrollment (50,715 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Franklin and Marshall College is located in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting); American Public University System is in Charles Town, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American Public University System is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Franklin and Marshall College 9:1; American Public University System 25:1.

F&M vs. American Public University System Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M or American Public University System? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at American Public University System than F&M ($12,260 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American Public University System are 43.7% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($9,120 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 742.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than American Public University System (about $62,394 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $8,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 742.8% higher at F&M than at American Public University System (about $62,394 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $8,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American Public University System than at Franklin and Marshall College (97% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 543.8% larger than aid received by American Public University System students ($41,901 vs. $6,508).

F&M vs. American Public University System Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M or American Public University System? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between American Public University System and F&M.

• American Public University System reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; American Public University System - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027.

F&M vs. American Public University System Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M and American Public University System? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, American Public University System graduates have a $2,002 lower median loan debt than F&M graduates ($19,998 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, American Public University System graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than F&M graduates ($206 vs. $227).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former American Public University System students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 23%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.