Franklin University: Programs, Cost & Outcomes (2026)

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Columbus, OH. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), it enrolls 5,562 students — smaller than mega-online universities but with notable graduate earnings.

The school is recognized for its deep IT and computer science portfolio, a distinctive business forensics program, and a focus on serving working adults.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

Published tuition at Franklin University is $9,577 per year (same rate for all students). The average net price after grants and scholarships is $25,243 per year.

37% of students receive Federal Pell Grants, and 41% take out federal student loans. Median graduate debt is $20,836.

Net Price by Family Income

Franklin’s net price is relatively flat across income brackets. Lower-income students see minimal reduction from the average.

Student Outcomes

Franklin University graduates earn a median salary of $51,892 ten years after enrollment. At the six-year mark, median earnings are $49,189.

The relatively small gap between 6-year and 10-year earnings suggests Franklin graduates enter the workforce at competitive salary levels and maintain steady growth.

ROI Snapshot

With median debt of $20,836 and median 10-year earnings of $51,892, Franklin graduates earn approximately $2.49 for every $1 of debt at graduation.

The 21% graduation rate is low, but it likely reflects Franklin’s adult student population — many work and attend part-time, which depresses the official IPEDS rate. Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

Franklin offers programs across 7 major fields, with particular depth in technology and business.

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• Nursing (RN-BSN)
• M.S. Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner programs

RN-BSN plus advanced practice nursing programs, nurse preceptor partnerships.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• B.S. Business Administration
• MBA
• DBA
• B.S. Management and Leadership
• B.S. Marketing

20+ business degree programs, applied management track, sport management.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Primary Education (PK-5)
• B.S. Middle Childhood Education
• B.S. Adolescence to Young Adult Education (7-12)
• M.Ed.

Multiple licensure tracks, intervention specialist programs (mild-moderate, moderate-intensive).

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Computer Science
• B.S. Cybersecurity
• B.S. Information Technology
• B.S. Cloud Computing
• M.S. Computer Science

Deep IT/CS portfolio: cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and information systems.

Criminal Justice

Degree levels: Bachelor’s

• B.S. Criminal Justice Administration
• B.S. Public Safety Management and Leadership
• B.S. Business Forensics

Business forensics track unique to Franklin.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Psychology
• M.S. Business Psychology

Business psychology master’s bridges counseling and business disciplines.

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Communications
• B.S. Social Sciences
• B.S. Public Health
• M.S. Communications

Health communication and strategic communication master’s tracks.

Who Franklin Is Best For

Franklin University is a strong choice for students interested in technology, cybersecurity, or the distinctive business forensics program. The $51,892 median 10-year earnings rate is competitive, and the $20,836 median debt is moderate.

Franklin’s smaller size means smaller class sections and potentially more faculty attention than mega-scale online programs.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact Franklin University directly for the most current information.