F&M vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Franklin and Marshall College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,808 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Franklin and Marshall College is located in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Franklin and Marshall College 9:1; Fisk University 12:1.

F&M vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M or Fisk 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 Fisk University than F&M ($18,595 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 10.2% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($14,540 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 173.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $44,936 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 173.8% higher at F&M than at Fisk University (about $44,936 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Franklin and Marshall College (87% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 83.7% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($41,901 vs. $22,811).

F&M vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M or Fisk 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 Fisk University and F&M.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 60 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming F&M students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at F&M vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

F&M vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M and Fisk 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).

• Franklin and Marshall College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Franklin and Marshall College earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.