Franklin & Marshall College Offers Tuition-Free Admission for Pennsylvania Students from Families Earning Under ,000
Franklin & Marshall College Announces Comprehensive Tuition Reform for Pennsylvania Students
In a significant move to enhance accessibility to higher education, Franklin & Marshall College (F&M), a prestigious private institution in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has unveiled its new tuition structure aimed at benefiting local residents. Beginning with the upcoming admissions cycle, the college will offer a range of tuition reductions, potentially allowing for free education for qualified Pennsylvania families.
Under the newly established Commonwealth Commitment program, students from households earning ,000 or less annually will be able to attend F&M tuition-free. For those from households earning between ,000 and 0,000, tuition will be capped at the level of in-state tuition for Penn State University, which is currently set at ,468 for freshmen and sophomores at the University Park campus. This initiative is particularly noteworthy given that F&M’s projected cost for the 2025-26 school year is ,950, inclusive of tuition, a standard double room at ,800, and an all-access meal plan costing an additional ,910.
Despite the relatively high sticker price, F&M’s Vice President for Enrollment Management, M. Leslie Davidson, emphasized the college’s commitment to showcasing affordable options for families. “While many of our students end up paying less to attend F&M compared to public universities, they often discover this only post-admission. The Commonwealth Commitment explicitly communicates that F&M can be both an affordable choice and an exceptional investment,” Davidson remarked in a recent statement.
The college’s approach to student financial aid is comprehensive, with approximately 65% of its current student body of 1,852 receiving need-based financial assistance. Notably, international students represent about 17% of the enrolled population. As per the college’s policies, families earning over 0,000 will be eligible for financial aid packages that address their specific needs, ensuring continued support for a diverse group of learners.
The implementation of these financial aid initiatives comes amid an ongoing dialogue about the rising cost of college attendance and the financial burdens faced by students and families. In the 2023 graduating class, F&M reported an average student debt of ,720, a statistic that underscores the importance of ensuring affordability in higher education.
To qualify for the Commonwealth Commitment benefits, all Pennsylvania residents must complete the financial aid processes established by the college, demonstrating their household income and asset qualifications upon admission. It is also important to note that eligibility for financial aid will be reassessed annually, allowing for adjustments based on changes in a family’s financial circumstances.
Through these innovative financial commitments, Franklin & Marshall College aims not only to enhance access to its high-quality educational offerings but also to position itself as a leader in promoting equitable access to higher education in Pennsylvania. As the college moves forward, it underscores the pressing need for institutions to rethink and restructure financial models to cater to the evolving demographics and needs of students in the state.
