Biology at Franklin and Marshall College

Franklin and Marshall's biology program produces graduates earning $37,950 their first year out—well above the national median but middle-of-the-pack for Pennsylvania. Among Pennsylvania's 85 biology programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Lehigh ($45,695) and even regional competitors like East Stroudsburg ($43,182). For a selective liberal arts college admitting just 32% of applicants, these outcomes suggest the prestige doesn't translate to exceptional pre-med or research placement.

The financial picture offers one advantage: graduates leave with just $19,000 in debt, substantially less than Pennsylvania's $27,000 median and well below the national $25,000 benchmark. This 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face a manageable burden, paying off roughly half a year's salary rather than three-quarters to a full year. For families concerned about loan payments, this lighter load matters.

However, take these numbers cautiously—the sample size is under 30 graduates, so outcomes for your student could vary considerably. The core question is whether Franklin and Marshall's academic environment justifies middle-tier Pennsylvania earnings when sister institutions produce notably higher returns. If your child is headed to medical school or graduate programs where the F&M credential opens doors, the investment makes sense. For those planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation, the earnings data suggests you're paying selective college prices for solid but unexceptional biology career outcomes.