Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Franklin Pierce University at a Glance
Franklin Pierce University is a private university in Rindge, New Hampshire, United States. It was founded as Franklin Pierce College in 1962, combining a liberal arts foundation with coursework for professional preparation.
1962
64 years old
1,750
1,200 acres
Identity
Is Franklin Pierce University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Franklin Pierce University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,353 — 1% below average — while paying $27,154/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Franklin Pierce University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Franklin Pierce University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #83 of 112 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Bay Path University | 49 | $14,271 | $55,383 |
| #83 | Franklin Pierce University | 24 | $27,154 | $53,353 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Franklin Pierce University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NH.
Best Programs at Franklin Pierce University
The highest-earning program at Franklin Pierce University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $70,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $23,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Franklin Pierce University earns $70,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $23,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $11,967 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,154/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $70,900 | $70,900 | $11,967 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $23,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,700 | $38,700 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,600 | $29,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $23,100 | $23,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Rindge, NH
- Student Body
- 992 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,154
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,353
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000