Introduction
When choosing a college, the factors that come into play include cost, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni success, rankings, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare John Carroll University (JCU) and Franklin College of Indiana to help you make an informed decision on which school may be the best fit for you.
JCU Overview
John Carroll University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university located in University Heights, Ohio. Established in 1886, JCU offers more than 70 majors and programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and business. With a student population of around 3,000, JCU provides a personalized learning experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
JCU Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending JCU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,140, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, 99% of students receive financial aid, making the average net cost $27,630. JCU offers scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of attendance.
JCU Admissions
Admission to JCU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.7, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 22-28. JCU has a test-optional policy, meaning students can choose not to submit standardized test scores during the admission process.
JCU Degrees Offered
JCU offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Some popular majors include marketing, finance, biology, psychology, and communication.
JCU Academics
JCU is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to Jesuit values, which emphasize intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. The university offers a Core Curriculum that provides a broad educational foundation for all students, regardless of their major. Additionally, JCU offers numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs.
JCU Diversity
JCU’s student population is predominantly white, with 83% of the students identifying as white. However, the university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives, including the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.
JCU Students
JCU has a vibrant student life, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, including Greek life, service organizations, cultural clubs, and academic honor societies. The university also offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in volunteer work and community service.
JCU Campus
The JCU campus spans over 60 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a recreation center, library, and technology-equipped classrooms. Additionally, the campus is located just a few miles from downtown Cleveland, offering students access to the city’s cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.
JCU Alumni
JCU boasts a strong alumni network with more than 40,000 members worldwide. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in diverse fields such as business, education, law, and medicine. Notable alumni include Don Shula, former NFL head coach, and Tim Russert, former host of NBC’s Meet the Press.
JCU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, JCU ranks #4 in Best Regional Universities Midwest, #9 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
JCU Outcomes
The average starting salary for JCU graduates is $46,000. The university reports a 93% success rate, which includes students who are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in service programs within six months of graduation.
Franklin College of Indiana Overview
Franklin College is a private, liberal arts college located in Franklin, Indiana. Founded in 1834, the college offers 50+ majors and programs in the arts, sciences, and professional fields. With a student population of around 1,000, Franklin College emphasizes small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.
Franklin College Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending Franklin College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $49,690, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, 100% of students receive financial aid, making the average net cost $21,810. The college provides scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of attendance.
Franklin College Admissions
Admission to Franklin College is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.4, and the middle 50% range of ACT scores is 19-25. Franklin College has a test-optional policy, meaning students can choose not to submit standardized test scores during the admission process.
Franklin College Degrees Offered
Franklin College offers a variety of undergraduate and pre-professional programs in fields such as business, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Popular majors include business, journalism, biology, psychology, and education.
Franklin College Academics
Franklin College is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, which emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The college offers a robust General Education Curriculum that provides a well-rounded educational experience for all students. Additionally, Franklin College offers research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs.
Franklin College Diversity
Franklin College’s student population is predominantly white, with 76% of the students identifying as white. The college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement.
Franklin College Students
Franklin College has an active student life, with over 50 student-run clubs and organizations, including Greek life, service organizations, cultural clubs, and academic honor societies. The college also encourages students to engage in volunteer work and community service.
Franklin College Campus
The Franklin College campus spans over 207 acres and features a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces. Students have access to resources such as a library, fitness center, and technology-equipped classrooms. Additionally, the campus is located just 20 miles from downtown Indianapolis, offering students access to the city’s cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.
Franklin College Alumni
Franklin College boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to successful careers in diverse fields such as journalism, business, education, and the arts. Notable alumni include Jane Pauley, TV journalist and host, and Don C. Dinkmeyer, a prominent psychologist.
Franklin College Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Franklin College ranks #147 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #198 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Franklin College Outcome
The average starting salary for Franklin College graduates is $37,400. The college reports an 89% success rate, which includes students who are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
JCU vs Franklin College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending JCU and Franklin College, John Carroll University has a higher estimated cost of $54,140 compared to Franklin College’s $49,690. However, both schools offer financial aid packages that bring down the average net cost to $27,630 for JCU and $21,810 for Franklin College. It’s essential to consider not only the sticker price but also the available financial aid and scholarships when making a decision.
JCU vs Franklin College Admissions Difficulty
Both JCU and Franklin College have moderately competitive admissions processes. JCU has a higher acceptance rate at 83%, while Franklin College’s rate is 75%. However, JCU has slightly more rigorous academic standards, with an average high school GPA of 3.7 compared to Franklin College’s 3.4. In terms of standardized test scores, JCU’s middle 50% range of ACT scores is 22-28, while Franklin College’s range is 19-25. However, both schools offer test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without submitting standardized test scores.
JCU vs Franklin College Academic Difficulty
John Carroll University and Franklin College both provide a high-quality liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Both schools have small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios (13:1 at JCU and 11:1 at Franklin College), allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. While JCU ranks higher in terms of overall academic reputation (#4 Best Regional Universities Midwest), both schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence.
JCU vs Franklin College Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, JCU graduates report a higher average starting salary of $46,000 compared to Franklin College’s $37,400. Additionally, JCU has a higher success rate, with 93% of graduates employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in service programs within six months of graduation, compared to Franklin College’s 89%. While these statistics provide a general comparison, it’s important to consider individual factors such as your intended major, career goals, and personal preferences when evaluating potential outcomes for each school.
