
Franklin University is a private university in Columbus, Ohio, with roots in education for working adults. It began in 1902 as a school of commerce associated with the Columbus YMCA and later adopted the Franklin University name.
That history helps explain its present-day emphasis on career-oriented degrees, transfer credit and flexible study. Franklin now offers undergraduate and graduate education, including online programs. Applicants should distinguish Franklin University in Columbus from other institutions with "Franklin" in their names.
Franklin University offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral study across business, technology, health, education, public service and other fields. Its academic offerings are organized into colleges and programs rather than a traditional liberal-arts-only structure.
Representative undergraduate subjects include accounting, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, health care administration and nursing. Graduate options extend into areas such as business, technology and public administration. Program names, formats and admission rules can differ by degree, so applicants should use the current academic catalog to confirm a particular major's curriculum, required courses and availability online or in Columbus.
The university reports 73 full-time and 932 part-time faculty teaching undergraduate or graduate students. That mix may matter to students who want to know whether courses in their program are taught primarily by full-time professors or part-time instructors with professional experience; the institution-wide counts do not answer that program-level question.
Franklin University is based in downtown Columbus, Ohio, at 201 S. Grant Avenue. Its urban location can be convenient for students who work in the city, while its online offerings mean many students need not travel to campus regularly.
Students attending in person should plan around downtown parking, transit and the timing of their classes rather than assume a residential-campus routine. John Glenn Columbus International Airport serves the region. An applicant considering an online program should check whether any courses, examinations, clinical placements or other requirements still call for in-person attendance.
Franklin University states that its mission is to provide relevant, high-quality education to a broad community of learners and help them pursue their goals. Its approach emphasizes access, practical learning and flexibility for students whose education may need to fit around work and other responsibilities.
These are the university's stated priorities, not independent measures of every student's experience. Prospective students can test how well a particular program fits those priorities by examining its course schedule, delivery format, academic support and requirements for completing the degree.
Name of the institution
Franklin UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
TrimestersFoundation year
1902Franklin University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.