Franklin University is a private nonprofit institution founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, and it is ranked #113 among Top Performers on Social Mobility by US News 2026. The university sits at #145 to #160 in the US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026 category and is the second-largest private university in Ohio.
Franklin University offers over 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, all taught in English and delivered primarily online for international learners. Indian students most commonly enrol in the MS programs in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and the MBA, alongside the Doctor of Business Administration and DNP pathways.
- US News Regional Rank: #145 to #160 (Midwest 2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admission)
- Intakes: Spring, Summer, and Fall trimesters
- PG Tuition: USD 690/credit hour (INR 65,895/credit hour)
- Application Fee: USD 50 (INR 4,775)
- Median MBA Starting Salary: Not officially disclosed
Also Check: MS universities in USA for Indian students
Franklin University holds a Tuition Guarantee that locks the first-term rate for up to three years for graduate learners, protecting Indian students from mid-programme fee hikes. Distance learners study from India without an F-1 visa, while doctoral applicants seeking a US campus experience must review the US student visa pathway and cost of living in Columbus, Ohio.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.5 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline for international graduate applicants requiring F-1 sponsorship is Expected 8 December 2026 (based on the Spring 2026 cycle). Indian applicants planning to study online from India can apply on a rolling basis for the Summer 2027 term. The next full cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 and close 20 July 2027 based on prior cycles.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Franklin University 2027
- Franklin University Admission 2027
- Franklin University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Franklin University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Franklin University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Franklin University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Franklin University Scholarships 2027
- Franklin University Rankings 2027
- Franklin University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Franklin University vs Peer Universities
- Franklin University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Franklin University 2027
Franklin University charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis rather than a flat annual fee. Master’s programmes typically span 36 to 48 credits, MBA tracks run 36 credits, and doctoral programmes range from 58 to 66 credits. International learners pay a higher per-credit rate at the undergraduate and doctoral levels, while master’s tuition uses one standard rate across cohorts.
Top Master’s and Doctoral Programs at Franklin University Fees for Indian Students
The table below shows the ten most India-relevant Franklin University fees for Indian students at PG and doctoral level, at USD 690/credit for master’s and USD 899/credit for international doctoral students.
| Program | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s in CS/IT with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Data Analytics | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% and quantitative background (recommended) |
| MS Cybersecurity | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Business Analytics | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Information Technology | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Accounting | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Health Informatics | USD 24,840 | INR 23.72 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| DBA | USD 52,142 | INR 49.80 lakh | Master’s with CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| DHA | USD 52,142 | INR 49.80 lakh | Master’s in health/related with CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
[Source: Franklin University official tuition schedule 2026-27]
Top Bachelor’s Programs at Franklin University Fees for Indian Students
Undergraduate international students pay USD 526 per credit hour. Bachelor’s programmes require 120 credits, giving a full-programme total of USD 63,120 (INR 60.28 lakh) before fees.
| Program | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | USD 63,120 | INR 60.28 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Cybersecurity | USD 63,120 | INR 60.28 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | USD 63,120 | INR 60.28 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| BS Analytics | USD 63,120 | INR 60.28 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Healthcare Administration | USD 63,120 | INR 60.28 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants most often choose the MS Computer Science, MS Cybersecurity, and MBA tracks because these programmes qualify for STEM-designated OPT extensions when studied on the Columbus campus.
Read More: Franklin University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Franklin University Admission 2027
Franklin University runs three trimester intakes each year: Spring (January), Summer (May), and Fall (August). For Indian applicants requiring F-1 visa sponsorship, the primary intakes are Spring and Fall.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline (graduate F-1) | Expected 8 December 2026 (based on Spring 2026 cycle) | Submit all documents by this date for January 2027 start. |
| Fall 2027 application deadline (graduate F-1) | Expected 20 July 2027 (based on Fall 2026 cycle) | Preferred intake with most course rotations available. |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Third-party evaluation is mandatory for Indian transcripts. |
| Programme start (Spring 2027) | Expected January 2027 | New-student orientation held one week prior. |
[Source: Franklin University International Admissions]
Planning note: Indian applicants applying to online programmes without F-1 sponsorship can apply on rolling basis and start in any trimester, but F-1 seekers must respect the fixed deadlines above.
Read More: Franklin University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Franklin University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Franklin University follows an open-admission model, meaning admission thresholds are minimum-baseline rather than competitive.
For PG applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university with minimum 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); no GRE or GMAT required for any Franklin master’s programme.
- English test minimum: TOEFL iBT 79 (Reading 20, Writing 20, Listening 20, Speaking 19), IELTS 6.0 overall (all sections 6.0), PTE Academic 57 (all sections 6.0), or Duolingo English Test 105.
- WES or ECE credential evaluation of all Indian transcripts; scores must be less than two years old.
For UG applicants:
- Class 12 completion from CBSE, ICSE, or a recognised State Board with minimum 65% aggregate (recommended).
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, PTE 44, or Duolingo 90 as officially published for undergraduate applicants.
Key insight: Indian applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree with English as the medium of instruction can request an IELTS or TOEFL waiver by submitting an official medium-of-instruction letter from their previous university.
Franklin University Acceptance Rate 2027
Franklin University operates an open-admission policy with a 100% acceptance rate, meaning every applicant who meets minimum academic and English proficiency thresholds is admitted. This figure is officially published and consistent across all recent admission cycles.
Franklin’s mission of serving working adults drives its open-admission model, and this rate has held stable since 2020. The competitive filter is the English proficiency test rather than a selection committee.
Reality check: A 100% acceptance rate does not guarantee a US visa; F-1 applicants still face independent scrutiny at the US Consulate, so Indian students must show clear funding and study intent.
Read More: Franklin University Acceptance Rate
Franklin University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at Franklin University ranges from USD 24,840 to USD 34,000 (INR 23.72 lakh to INR 32.47 lakh) depending on programme credits and whether the student studies online from India or on the Columbus campus.
Franklin University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
The tuition schedule below is fixed on a per-credit-hour basis and is protected by Franklin’s Tuition Guarantee once a student enrols.
| Level | Per-credit fee (USD) | Per-credit fee (INR) | Annual fee band (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (International) | USD 526 | INR 50,233 | INR 15.06 to 20.09 lakh |
| Master’s (all cohorts) | USD 690 | INR 65,895 | INR 15.81 to 19.76 lakh |
| Doctoral (International) | USD 899 | INR 85,854 | INR 15.45 to 20.60 lakh |
[Source: Franklin University official tuition 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Columbus for Indian Students
Franklin’s main campus sits in downtown Columbus, Ohio, a mid-cost Midwest city cheaper than New York or the Bay Area.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | USD 700 | INR 66,850 |
| Food and groceries | USD 350 | INR 33,425 |
| Transportation | USD 90 | INR 8,595 |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 | INR 9,550 |
| Personal and utilities | USD 260 | INR 24,830 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,500 | INR 1.43 lakh |
| Annual living cost | USD 18,000 | INR 17.19 lakh |
[Source: Numbeo Columbus estimates August 2026, all cells (estimated)]
Insider note: Indian students who study Franklin’s online master’s from India save the entire USD 18,000 annual living cost, cutting total investment to roughly INR 24 lakh instead of INR 41 lakh.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Franklin University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Franklin University’s main campus is a compact urban site in downtown Columbus, Ohio, with the majority of its 10,000 students studying online.
- Location and transport: Main Campus at 201 South Grant Avenue, downtown Columbus, walkable to the COTA bus network and 15 minutes from John Glenn International Airport.
- Housing: Franklin does not operate residence halls; on-campus students rent private apartments in Downtown or German Village for USD 700 to USD 1,100 per month.
- Online learning platform: Franklin’s proprietary Ourfranklin learning portal delivers 12-week trimester courses with 24-hour library and tutor access.
- Indian student community: A small Indian Students Association operates for on-campus doctoral students; virtual peer groups exist for online cohorts.
What Indian students say: Online learners praise the flexibility of asynchronous coursework alongside full-time jobs in India. Reviewers also flag that Franklin is best suited to working professionals rather than fresh graduates seeking a residential US experience.
Franklin University Scholarships 2027
Franklin University publishes over 15 named scholarships, of which four are widely accessible to Indian applicants either automatically or by essay.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Start Scholarship | Automatic (Master’s/Doctoral) | USD 1,500 to 2,000 (INR 1.43 to 1.91 lakh) | New students in designated M.Ed., MSN, MS Cybersecurity, or DNP tracks | Auto-applied |
| Graduate School Scholarship | Merit (essay) | USD 4,500 Master’s / USD 7,500 Doctoral (INR 4.30 to 7.16 lakh) | 3.5 CGPA after first trimester at Franklin; 1,000-word essay | Rolling |
| Undergraduate Scholars Program | Merit | USD 500 to 2,000 (INR 0.48 to 1.91 lakh) | UG students; award varies by donor criteria | Spring 2027 open |
| Fankhauser Sales Leadership Scholarship | Full-tuition | Full tuition + fees | New students in Professional Sales Leadership; maintain 3.0 GPA | Rolling |
| 1902 Leadership Scholarship | Essay-based | Amount not published (verify at official page) | All levels; 500 to 750-word community-impact essay | 20 September 2026 |
[Source: Franklin University official scholarships page]
Planning note: Franklin does not offer India-specific scholarships. Indian applicants should stack the automatic Smart Start award with the Graduate School Scholarship after their first trimester for maximum funding.
Read More: Franklin University Scholarships Guide
Franklin University Rankings 2027
Franklin University’s strongest ranking is #113 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by US News 2026, which measures how well institutions graduate economically disadvantaged students.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #145 to #160 | 2025: #149 to #164 | 2024: #151 to #166 |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #113 | Not ranked in 2025 edition | Not ranked in 2024 edition |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 edition | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 edition | NA | NA |
| ARWU Shanghai Ranking | Not ranked in ARWU 2026 edition | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Key insight: Franklin’s regional-only US News status means its degree is recognised for US H-1B visa and employer purposes but does not appear on India’s UGC-approved global research-ranking lists such as QS Top 500.
Read More: Franklin University Rankings Analysis
Franklin University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Franklin University focuses on adult and working-professional learners, so it does not run a traditional campus-recruitment cycle; official placement statistics are not published.
- Placement rate: Not officially disclosed; the majority of Franklin students are already employed at admission.
- Median starting salary: Not disclosed by the university; market medians for Ohio-based MBA graduates run USD 65,000 to USD 85,000 (INR 62 to 81 lakh) per year (market median).
- Careers support: The Franklin Career Development Center offers virtual coaching, resume review, and Handshake access to online and campus students.
- Post-study work: On-campus master’s graduates qualify for 12-month OPT; STEM-designated MS Cybersecurity and MS Computer Science graduates qualify for a 24-month OPT extension.
- Indian alumni: Franklin’s alumni network includes graduates working at Nationwide Insurance, Ohio Health, and JPMorgan Chase in Columbus and Cincinnati.
Insider note: Indian graduates who study Franklin online from India lose OPT eligibility entirely, so students targeting the US job market must plan for an on-campus programme in Columbus.
Franklin University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below focuses on other US universities that serve international and working-adult learners with strong online delivery.
| University | US News Regional/National 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin University | #145 to #160 (Regional Midwest) | INR 19.76 lakh | Trimester system with Tuition Guarantee lock |
| Southern New Hampshire University | #54 (Regional North) | INR 18.16 lakh | Largest online enrolment in the US |
| Western Governors University | Not ranked in US News 2026 | INR 13.36 lakh | Competency-based flat-rate tuition |
| Liberty University Online | #293 to #380 (National) | INR 21.02 lakh | Largest evangelical private university in US |
| University of the Cumberlands | #293 to #380 (National) | INR 14.32 lakh | Lowest-cost US doctoral pathway |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
Franklin University differentiates through its 100% acceptance rate and its 3-year Tuition Guarantee, which most peers do not offer, keeping total-cost predictability high for Indian PG applicants.
Franklin University suits Indian working professionals seeking an affordable, flexible US master’s or doctoral qualification with no GRE or GMAT hurdle. At a total investment of INR 23.72 lakh for a master’s and market-median salaries near INR 62 to 81 lakh for Ohio-based MBA graduates, the return-on-investment window is under three years on campus. The US student visa pathway plus the STEM-designated OPT extension gives on-campus Indian students a clear runway.
Franklin University is not a strong fit for Indian freshers seeking a residential, research-focused US degree or QS Top 200 employer signal. Applicants prioritising QS ranking and campus life should instead consider MS universities in USA such as University of Cincinnati or Ohio State University.
Franklin University FAQs
Ques. Does Franklin University require GRE or GMAT for Indian applicants?
Ans. No, Franklin University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for any of its master’s or doctoral programmes, including MBA, MS Computer Science, and DBA. Indian applicants only need to submit official bachelor’s transcripts evaluated by WES or ECE, an English proficiency test score, and financial documentation. This waiver applies to all cohorts and is not conditional on prior work experience or undergraduate CGPA.
Ques. Can Indian students study Franklin University master’s programmes fully online from India?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can complete most Franklin University master’s programmes online from India without an F-1 visa. This applies to MBA, MS Data Analytics, MS Cybersecurity, and MS Health Informatics. Studying from India saves the USD 18,000 annual Columbus living cost but forfeits OPT work-permit eligibility, so students targeting US employment must instead enrol on-campus in Columbus, Ohio.
Ques. What is the Franklin University application fee for Indian applicants?
Ans. Franklin University charges a USD 50 application fee, roughly INR 4,775 at current exchange rates. The fee is payable online by international credit card at the time of submitting the online application. Franklin occasionally waives the application fee during promotional windows for international graduate applicants; Indian applicants should check the international admissions portal before paying.
Ques. Can Indian students get an English proficiency waiver at Franklin University?
Ans. Yes, Indian applicants whose previous bachelor’s degree was taught fully in English can request a waiver of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE requirement. Applicants must submit an official Medium of Instruction letter from their previous Indian university on institutional letterhead. Waivers are decision-time and not guaranteed; graduate admissions may still request a Duolingo test in borderline cases.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Franklin University programmes?
Ans. Franklin University is recognised by major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, SBI, ICICI Bank, and Auxilo for both on-campus and online master’s programmes. Loans typically cover the full USD 24,840 master’s tuition plus living expenses for Columbus-based students. Online-only Indian learners can access smaller loans covering tuition only, since living cost proof is not required for study-from-India pathways.
Ques. Are Franklin University STEM programmes eligible for the 24-month OPT extension?
Ans. Yes, Franklin University’s MS Computer Science, MS Cybersecurity, MS Data Analytics, MS Business Analytics, and STEM MBA and STEM Accounting tracks are STEM-designated. Graduates on F-1 visas qualify for the standard 12-month OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension, giving three years of US work authorisation post-degree. This applies only to students who complete the programme on the Columbus campus.
Ques. What financial proof do Indian F-1 applicants need for Franklin University?
Ans. Indian F-1 applicants must show liquid funds covering one year of tuition plus living costs, roughly USD 42,000 or INR 40.11 lakh, in bank statements or education-loan sanction letters dated within six months. Franklin requires the financial responsibility form signed by the sponsor along with passport-page copies. Fixed deposits, savings accounts, and sanctioned loans are all accepted; mutual funds and equity holdings are typically not.
Ques. Does Franklin University accept the Duolingo English Test for graduate admission?
Ans. Yes, Franklin University accepts the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 105 for all graduate and doctoral programmes as officially published. The Duolingo test is a lower-cost, at-home alternative to TOEFL and IELTS for Indian applicants and is delivered within 48 hours. Scores must be less than two years old and sent directly from Duolingo to Franklin using institutional code 1129.
Franklin University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 1 year | USD 24,120 /Yr | 30 | GPA:3.0, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 105 | ||
M.S Computer Science 20 months | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (25th Dec 2026) | USD 24,120 /Yr | 30 | GPA:3.0, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 105 |
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Franklin University comparison
| University Name | Franklin University | Cleveland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking |
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| Subject Strength | - |
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| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 100.0 % | 87.5 % |
| Exam Score | ||
| Cost to Study |
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| Placement | The median starting salary of graduates is $54,100. | Employees who graduate from Cleveland State University earn an average of $150.1k, mostly ranging from $133.7k to $248.4k |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 806 out of 824 in Global Ranking
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Franklin University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Franklin University Admissions
Application Portal: https://apply.franklin.edu/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Franklin University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14014 | 1096 | 12918 | 4 |
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If your native language is not English, you are required to submit a valid English Language Proficiency test certificate for admission at Franklin University. The university accepts various ELP tests including IELTS. The IELTS score requirement differ as per the level of the program.