
Rindge, NHprivate nonprofitfranklinpierce.edu
Franklin Pierce University is a small, accessible liberal arts school in rural New Hampshire known for its tight-knit community, hands-on learning, and robust health sciences programs. With a 93% acceptance rate and a sprawling 1,000-acre campus, it attracts students who crave outdoor recreation and a personalized education—though its 49% graduation rate suggests some struggle to persist. The university punches above its weight in nursing and business, while its alumni contribute significantly to New Hampshire's economy.
Franklin Pierce is one of the least selective universities in New Hampshire, with a 93.5% acceptance rate (2,218 admitted from 2,373 applicants in 2024). The average admitted student has an SAT score between 1032–1282 or an ACT score of 19–26, with 19% of enrollees holding GPAs of 3.75+. Notably, the university emphasizes high school coursework and grades as the most important factors in admissions—not test scores. There's no application fee, lowering barriers to apply.
Franklin Pierce offers a career-focused liberal arts education, with standout programs in health sciences (53% of majors), business (21%), and sport management (21%). The 13:1 student-faculty ratio supports close mentorship, though the 73% freshman retention rate (below the national average) hints at academic fit challenges. The university is organized into three colleges: Business, Health & Natural Sciences, and Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. Nursing graduates report a median salary of $53,353, one of the strongest outcomes.
Life at Franklin Pierce revolves around its 1,000-acre rural campus, where outdoor activities and intramural sports thrive. Alumni nostalgically recall legendary condo parties and outdoor bashes, though current students describe the vibe as 'welcoming, loving, and personable.' The university leans into its small size with co-curricular programming that includes leadership development and Greek life. A STEP Days orientation program helps ease the transition to college—a notable effort given the retention challenges.
Franklin Pierce struggles with graduation rates: just 49% of students finish within 6 years (below the 59% national midpoint), though its 46% on-time graduation rate outperforms the 33.3% national average. Alumni generate $165.7M in economic output for New Hampshire and support 881 jobs, a notable regional impact. The university doesn't publish detailed salary data beyond nursing, but its Pell Grant recipient graduation rate (41%) suggests mixed outcomes for lower-income students.
At $25,557 net price (after aid), Franklin Pierce costs more than the national average for private colleges, but 79% of students receive financial aid with an average package of $35,991. Merit scholarships range from $32,000–$37,500, heavily discounting the $46,442 sticker price for strong students. The university offers athletic scholarships and emphasizes that most students qualify for some aid—critical given the modest post-grad earnings in many fields.
Franklin Pierce delivers two things exceptionally well: hands-on health sciences training (especially nursing) and a close-knit, outdoorsy community in a stunning rural setting. Its economic impact belies its small size, and the lack of application fee makes it easy to apply. But the university’s low graduation rate and middling retention signal that it’s best for highly motivated students who’ll leverage its strengths—like the 1,000-acre campus for recreation and personalized attention from faculty—to persist and graduate.