Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Franklin College

A $27,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $36,000 places Franklin College's liberal arts program squarely in the middle of what's typical both nationally and across Indiana. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect to earn about what the national median suggests—just over $36,000 in their first year—making this one of the more predictable liberal arts investments rather than an outlier in either direction.

The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means borrowing roughly nine months of first-year salary, which is manageable territory for a bachelor's degree. Franklin serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (39%), and for families weighing financial aid packages, this estimated debt level won't trap graduates in immediate financial strain. However, the program trails the state's stronger liberal arts performers—Notre Dame and Indiana Wesleyan graduates earn $8,000-$10,000 more annually—suggesting that institutional reputation creates meaningful earning differences even within the same major.

For parents, the key question is whether Franklin's environment justifies these middle-of-the-road outcomes when other Indiana schools produce better returns. If your student thrives in smaller settings (Franklin's 71% admission rate suggests a less competitive environment than top performers), the debt burden won't derail them. But if prestige or early earnings matter, understand you're paying similar debt for notably different outcomes than what's available elsewhere in the state.