Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Based on the provided data, the university has a negative ROI score (-19), indicating that graduates typically do not earn enough to offset their debt within 10 years, suggesting it may not be a strong financial investment.

The graduation rate at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is 48.6%.

Median earnings 10 years after entry are $59,419, with median debt at graduation of $27,672, resulting in a negative ROI.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has a small student body size of 821 students.

The Affordability Score is 75, but the ROI Score is -19, indicating that while the cost might be manageable, the return on investment in terms of earnings is not favorable.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) has a very high acceptance rate of 98.7%, indicating that it is not highly selective. This suggests that the university prioritizes access and aims to provide educational opportunities to a broad range of students. While the admission rate is high, prospective students should still ensure they meet the basic academic requirements outlined by the university, which typically include a high school diploma or GED and potentially minimum GPA or standardized test scores, though these may be less emphasized given the open admission policy. The focus for admission is likely on a student's alignment with the university's mission and their potential to succeed in their chosen program, rather than solely on competitive academic metrics. Students should review the specific program prerequisites and application deadlines on the FRAN website to ensure a smooth application process.

The financial value of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is questionable based on available data. With a tuition of $18,310 and median 10-year earnings of $59,419, the earnings are not substantially higher than the cost of attendance over a decade. The median debt of $27,672 adds to the financial burden, leading to a negative ROI score of -19. This indicates that, on average, graduates do not see a significant financial return on their educational investment within a typical timeframe. The low graduation rate of 48.6% further complicates the value proposition, suggesting potential challenges for students in completing their degrees. While FRAN may offer a unique, mission-driven educational experience, particularly in nursing, prospective students must carefully consider if the potential career satisfaction and personal growth outweigh the statistically modest financial outcomes and the time it will take to repay student loans.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is particularly renowned for its strong programs in nursing and other healthcare-related fields. Given its affiliation with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, the nursing program is a flagship offering, preparing graduates for high-demand roles within hospitals and clinics. Other strong majors likely include allied health professions, such as radiologic sciences or medical imaging, and potentially programs in education, aligning with the university's service-oriented mission. While specific data on the 'best' majors in terms of career outcomes isn't detailed, students interested in healthcare professions will likely find FRAN provides a solid foundation and direct pathways to employment within the regional healthcare network. Prospective students should investigate program accreditation, faculty expertise, and clinical placement opportunities within these core areas.

Student life at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is shaped by its identity as a smaller, private institution with a strong Catholic and Franciscan tradition. As a university with only 821 students, the campus environment is likely intimate and community-focused, fostering close relationships among students, faculty, and staff. The emphasis is often on personal development, service, and spiritual growth, reflecting the Franciscan values. While large-scale social events or extensive club offerings might be less prevalent than at larger universities, students can expect a supportive atmosphere. Opportunities for involvement likely include student government, campus ministry activities, volunteer work through the university's service initiatives, and potentially clubs related to academic programs or shared interests. The university's location in Baton Rouge also provides access to off-campus cultural events, dining, and recreational activities.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) provides financial aid to a significant portion of its students, aiming to make its education accessible. While specific percentages of students receiving aid and average aid packages are not detailed here, prospective students can expect a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid. This typically includes federal grants (like Pell Grants), federal student loans, and potentially state-specific grants for Louisiana residents. FRAN also offers its own scholarships and grants, often tied to academic merit, specific programs (like nursing), or demonstrated financial need. Given the moderate tuition cost, the financial aid package is crucial for managing the overall expense. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any institutional aid applications promptly to maximize their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.

The median salary expected after graduating from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is reported as $59,419 ten years post-graduation. This figure represents a 10-year median, meaning some graduates will earn more, and some will earn less. It's important to note that this is an average across all programs and may not reflect the specific earning potential of each major. For instance, graduates from the highly regarded nursing program might expect to earn closer to or potentially exceed this median, especially with experience and specialization, given the strong demand for nurses in the Baton Rouge area and beyond. Conversely, graduates from other fields might see lower median earnings. The relatively modest median earnings, when compared to the cost of attendance and debt, suggest that financial planning and career progression are critical for maximizing the return on this educational investment.

Information regarding specific dormitory facilities and living arrangements at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is not extensively detailed in public profiles. As a smaller institution with 821 students, FRAN may offer limited on-campus housing options, potentially prioritizing freshmen or students with specific needs. Dormitories, if available, are likely to be functional and designed to foster a close-knit community atmosphere, consistent with the university's size and mission. Students seeking on-campus housing should inquire directly with the university's student affairs or residential life office for the most current details on room types, amenities, application processes, and costs. It's also common for students at smaller universities, especially those in urban settings like Baton Rouge, to seek off-campus housing options in nearby apartments or shared living situations.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is likely not positioned as a primary research institution in the traditional sense, given its size and focus on undergraduate education, particularly in professional fields like nursing. While opportunities for undergraduate research may exist, especially within specific departments like nursing or allied health, they are unlikely to be as extensive or as heavily funded as those at larger research universities. Students interested in research might find opportunities to participate in faculty-led projects, potentially focusing on applied research relevant to healthcare practices or community health issues within the Baton Rouge area. The university's mission emphasizes service and practical application, which may translate into research projects that have direct community impact rather than theoretical or groundbreaking scientific discovery. Prospective students seeking extensive research opportunities should inquire directly about faculty research interests and available undergraduate research programs.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is a small, private, mission-driven institution primarily focused on healthcare professions, particularly nursing. When compared to similar schools, its closest peers might include other private universities in Louisiana with strong nursing programs or those emphasizing a Catholic/Franciscan identity. For example, Xavier University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans offer private education with strong health sciences and a Catholic affiliation, though they are larger and more comprehensive. Nicholls State University, a public institution, also has a well-regarded nursing program and serves a similar regional demographic. FRAN's key differentiators are its very small size, leading to a highly personalized environment, and its direct integration with the Franciscan health system. However, it may lag behind peers in terms of national recognition, program diversity, research output, and potentially career services reach beyond the immediate Baton Rouge area. Its lower graduation rate compared to some peers is also a point of consideration.

Employer perception of a degree from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRAN) is likely positive within the specific sectors and geographic regions it serves, particularly in healthcare. Employers within the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center network and other Baton Rouge-area healthcare facilities likely hold FRAN graduates in good regard, especially those from the nursing program, due to the university's focused curriculum and its established presence in the local medical community. The university's emphasis on service and practical skills may also be valued by employers seeking well-rounded, community-minded employees. However, outside of this specialized context, the brand recognition of FRAN is limited due to its small size and niche focus. Employers in larger corporations or in different industries or geographic regions may have little to no familiarity with the university, meaning the degree's perceived value would rely more heavily on the individual graduate's skills, experience, and performance rather than the institution's reputation.