Franklin and Marshall College is a private liberal arts college nestled in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787 through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, the institution embodies a rich history steeped in academic tradition. The college enrolls over 2,300 students from diverse backgrounds and provides a personalized educational experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Its picturesque 200-acre campus is a blend of historic architecture and contemporary facilities, offering students a vibrant community in which to live and learn.
Unique to Franklin and Marshall College is its commitment to hands-on learning and undergraduate research opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of practical experience, Franklin and Marshall stands out with its distinctive College Houses system, beyond traditional dormitories, that integrates the residential and academic lives of students. The college also boasts the Phillips Museum of Art, both an educational resource and a cultural hub, that offers students firsthand experience in curation and museum management. Furthermore, their "F&M Works in Lancaster" program partners with local organizations to provide students with paid professional experiences, further deepening their engagement with the Lancaster community.
Franklin and Marshall takes pride in its positive impact and formidable achievements. Recognized for its strong programs in government, science, and environmental studies, the college has produced a myriad of successful professionals, researchers, and public servants. It actively promotes sustainability, evident in both its curriculum and initiatives such as the Wohlsen Center for the Sustainable Environment, which leads on-campus environmental research and education. The college's emphasis on global perspectives is reflected in its consistently high study abroad participation rates, encouraging students to develop a broad and inclusive worldview.
Despite its accolades, Franklin and Marshall College faces challenges typical of many liberal arts institutions, such as securing funding in a highly competitive market. In recent years, like many peer institutions, it has experienced rising tuition costs, potentially affecting accessibility for prospective students and adding to the national conversation on affordability in higher education. Moreover, in a fast-paced world that increasingly values specialized technical skills, liberal arts colleges face the challenge of proving the long-term value of a broad-based education. Franklin and Marshall continually innovates in balancing liberal arts traditions with preparing students for the modern workforce.
