Franklin University
Franklin University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Franklin University Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, Franklin University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,892 — 4% below average — while paying $25,243/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 21% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Franklin University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Franklin University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #125 of 125 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 Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #4 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #125 | Franklin University | 11 | $25,243 | $51,892 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Franklin University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in OH.
Best Programs at Franklin University
The highest-earning program at Franklin University is Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other at $66,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at $33,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other graduate from Franklin University earns $66,400, while a Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduate earns $33,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other graduates carry $27,086 in median debt vs. $25,584 for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,243/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | $66,400 | $66,400 | $27,086 |
| Computer Science | $56,900 | $56,900 | $31,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $51,900 | $51,900 | $28,336 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,700 | $44,700 | $24,250 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $44,400 | $44,400 | $27,082 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $43,300 | $43,300 | $20,836 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,800 | $42,800 | $22,918 |
| Marketing | $40,800 | $40,800 | $22,350 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $39,900 | $39,900 | $30,612 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $38,100 | $38,100 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,400 | $36,400 | $30,389 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $35,900 | $35,900 | N/A |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $33,700 | $33,700 | $25,584 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Student Body
- 5,562 students
- Graduation Rate
- 21%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,243
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,892
- Median Student Debt
- $20,836