Merrimack vs. Franklin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Merrimack College in North Andover, MA with Franklin University in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Franklin University is larger than Merrimack based on total student enrollment (9,457 students vs. 5,862 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Merrimack College is located in North Andover, MA (Large Suburban setting); Franklin University is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• Merrimack College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Merrimack College 13:1; Franklin University 17:1.

Merrimack vs. Franklin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Merrimack or Franklin University? 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 Franklin University than Merrimack ($25,576 vs. $38,504).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franklin University are 22.2% lower than at Merrimack College ($16,740 vs. $21,525).
• Merrimack College is 463.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franklin University (about $44,385 more per year; $53,962.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 463.5% higher at Merrimack than at Franklin University (about $44,385 more per year; $53,962.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Merrimack College than at Franklin University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Merrimack College students is 510.7% larger than aid received by Franklin University students ($31,550 vs. $5,166).

Merrimack vs. Franklin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Merrimack or Franklin University? 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 Franklin University and Merrimack.

• Franklin University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Merrimack - Test-free; Franklin University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Merrimack Sep 1, 2026.

Merrimack vs. Franklin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Merrimack and Franklin University? 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).

• Merrimack College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Franklin University's (19%).
• Graduates from Merrimack College earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Franklin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $52,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Merrimack graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Franklin University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Merrimack graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Merrimack graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franklin University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 38%)

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.