College Costs in Franklin, TN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Franklin, Tennessee. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$32,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,860
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Franklin Overview
Population
83,454
Student Population
5,014 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
118.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Franklin
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,628
Total After Financial Aid
$103,628
Annual Cost
$25,907
Annual After Aid
$25,907
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,177 |
| Total Interest | $37,573 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,201 |
Universities in Franklin
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin State University | Public | $10,603 |
| Franklin Community College | Community | $5,615 |
Franklin has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Franklin vs. National Average
| Category | Franklin | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,100 | $10,940 | -$840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,860 | $1,050 | +$810 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118.5 | 100 | +18.5 |
Franklin's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Franklin
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,014 students
Franklin has a total population of 83,454, with approximately 5,014 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Franklin offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Franklin
$65,401
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Franklin earn a median starting salary of $65,401, which is $30,401 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,962 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Tennessee
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5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,792
Chattanooga
5 colleges · Avg tuition $9,648
Clarksville
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Murfreesboro
10 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Johnson City
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Cookeville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,312
Sewanee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,397
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