F&M vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Franklin and Marshall College is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (1,808 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Franklin and Marshall College is located in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Franklin and Marshall College 9:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

F&M vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M or W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College than F&M ($22,702 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington & Jefferson College are 9.1% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($14,710 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 140.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $41,402 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.9% higher at F&M than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $41,402 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Franklin and Marshall College (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 107.9% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($41,901 vs. $20,152).

F&M vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M or W&J? 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 W&J and F&M.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 260 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming F&M students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027.
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at F&M vs. 12.6% at W&J.

F&M vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M and W&J? 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).

• Franklin and Marshall College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Washington & Jefferson College's (74%).
• Graduates from Franklin and Marshall College earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than W&J graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former W&J students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 79%)

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.