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Franklin University

#2122 in US ranking Columbus, OH
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$33,133
Tuition & fees
$9,577
Avg. aid
$6,540
Receiving aid
96%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
11%
Median salary
$59,332
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Franklin University?

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.

What are the faculties and departments at Franklin University?

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.

What is the location of Franklin University?

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.

What is the mission and vision of Franklin University?

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.

Franklin University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Franklin University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Large

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

5,000 - 9,999

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Trimesters

Foundation year

1902

Franklin University Accreditation

Franklin 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.

Franklin University Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship

Data 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.