Franklin & Marshall College

A spirit of rigorous liberal arts inquiry and hands-on discovery defines the intellectual life at Franklin & Marshall College, where a commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experience empowers students to explore ideas across disciplines and apply knowledge beyond the campus. Rooted in a tradition dating back to 1787 and the legacy of Benjamin Franklin and John Marshall, F&M's approach merges a flexible, student-centered curriculum with deep faculty mentorship, encouraging scholars to pursue original research, creative projects, and community engagement from their very first year. This dynamic environment is anchored in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a vibrant small city that serves as both a cultural hub and a living laboratory for civic participation. Within this close-knit community of approximately 1,800 undergraduates representing dozens of countries, leadership is forged through collaborative inquiry, a robust residential experience, and the integration of academic exploration with purposeful action.

Personalized mentorship is the hallmark of the F&M experience, where the campus functions as a launching pad for undergraduate research, global connectivity, and professional development. Academic life is shaped by an intimate 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures meaningful intellectual exchange and individualized guidance throughout the four-year journey. Students choose from more than 60 fields of study spanning the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts, with the freedom to design interdisciplinary paths that reflect their unique interests. For international applicants, F&M is dedicated to accessibility by offering need-based financial aid and meeting 100% of institutionally determined financial need for all admitted students, ensuring that talented scholars from around the world can thrive on campus. Through this blend of historic purpose, residential vitality, and a curriculum built on curiosity and connection, F&M graduates emerge prepared not only to excel professionally but to lead with integrity and a global perspective.