Understanding Franklin University Switzerland Tuition Fees

Franklin University Switzerland (FUS), an American liberal arts institution situated in Lugano, in the southern part of Switzerland, attracts students from around the globe with its unique approach to education. Founded in 1969, FUS was among the first institutions to bring American Liberal Arts education to Europe. It holds accreditation in the United States, Switzerland, and China, and distinguishes itself as the only university worldwide offering interdisciplinary, experiential learning with Academic Travel at the core of its curriculum. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the tuition fees, associated costs, and available financial aid options for prospective students.

Franklin University Switzerland: An Overview

Franklin University Switzerland is a small, international university located in Lugano. Surrounded by mountains and situated on its namesake lake, one of the spectacular lakes linking Switzerland and Italy, Lugano is the ideal home base for the Franklin experience: a jumping-off point for an immersive exploration of the world and its people. FUS is located approximately a 15 minutes' walk away from Lugano train station. Lugano is the central point of departure for all of Europe. With Lugano's rail lines and regional airport, all of Europe is within easy reach.

The university has been recognized for its impact, placed 33rd in the top 100 of the World's Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Ranking 2022. Franklin University Switzerland does research in different fields of study and invites students to bachelor and master programs. The university campus is located in Lugano.

Tuition and Associated Costs

Understanding the costs associated with attending Franklin University Switzerland is crucial for prospective students and their families. As a dually accredited US and Swiss institution, Franklin operates a dual currency system, accepting payments in US Dollars or Swiss Francs, based on citizenship.

Direct Costs

These costs appear on the billing statement each semester and may vary based on the cost of housing and meal plan the student chooses. These costs include tuition, university fees, room and board as well as Swiss health insurance.

Read also: Space Exploration Pioneer

For the 2021-2022 school year, tuition is $45,700, room and board are $13,930, and annual university fees is $1,550, Orientation fees (new incoming students only) is $500.

Tuition: Tuition for undergraduate degree programs are based on full-time registration of 12 to 15 credits per semester. Students taking more than 15 credits (excluding 1-credit Academic Travel) will be charged additional tuition on a per-credit basis. Academic travel is included in full-time tuition for travel in Europe. Students choosing a travel destination other than Europe will be charged an additional fee.
University Fees: University fees cover student visas, access to technology resources, library expenses, and most extra-curricular activities.
Room and Board: Most of the students at FUS live in the residence halls. Living in the residence halls at Franklin University Switzerland campus is an important part of the educational experience. It is a great opportunity to make your first friends on campus and adjust to living alone. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes or a common kitchen shared among all residents of the residence hall. Each apartment has at least one bathroom that is shared by students and their roommates.
Health Insurance: Swiss law requires that all students with residency outside EU/EFTA countries are covered by Swiss medical insurance. The cost varies according to the age of the student.

Indirect Costs

These costs are incidental to the students’ attendance and are fully managed by the students and their families. These costs include travel costs to/from Franklin each semester, the purchase of books and supplies as well as personal costs for weekend travel, toiletries, and such. Tuition fees do not include accommodation, books, and travel to-and-from Lugano.

Personal Expenses: It is important to consider additional costs such as accommodation, transportation, study materials, meals, weekend travel, toiletries, and personal expenses.

Currency Considerations

As a dually accredited US and Swiss institution, Franklin operates a dual currency system, accepting payments in US Dollars or Swiss Francs. The Franklin University tuition costs and the currency you use to make payments are based on your citizenship. Citizens and permanent residents of the United States or Canada can pay in US dollars at the prices listed below. Students from all other countries must pay in Swiss francs.

Cost of Attendance

The actual cost of attendance for each student will vary depending on circumstances, based on how far you have to travel to reach Franklin, the choices you make regarding meals and housing, and more.

Based on the above estimates and average costs, the typical total cost of attendance for a non-Swiss, new incoming undergraduate student includes tuition, university fees, room and board.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Franklin also offers a variety of options to help you invest in your future. Our scholarships, programs and payment plans make attending Franklin possible for students from all backgrounds. Merit and/or Financial Aid are offered to all eligible students.

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships range from $12,000 to $22,000. Students do not need to apply separately for Merit Scholarships; they will automatically be considered during the application review.

Need-Based Financial Aid

In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, students must apply. As an institution Franklin create a financial aid package and carefully guide you through your financing options to help you afford your education.

Application Fee

A completed application form and payment of a non-refundable application fee of CHF 90 or USD 90*.

The application fee is waived if you submit your application by November 15 (extended deadline) for Spring Semester applicants, and December 1 for Fall Semester applicants (should you enroll).

Academic Programs

Undergraduate students at Franklin can choose one of the following different major fields of study, spanning a wide range of disciplines including history, international relations, economics, politics, environmental studies, international management, languages, literature and the arts. Most of our major curriculums are flexible enough to allow students to partially design their own study plans.

Study programs at Franklin University Switzerland:

Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Finance
Economics & Business Management
Medicine
Psychology
Social Sciences & Management
Fashion Studies
Applied Sciences & Professions
Social Justice and Sustainability
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
International Management
International Marketing Management
Environmental Sciences and Studies
Journalism & Media
Communication and Media Studies
French Studies
Gap Year
International Economics
International Relations
Art History and Visual Culture
History
Italian Studies
Visual Communication Arts
Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies
Responsible Arts Management and Cultural Heritage
International Management - Responsible Management and Climate Action
International Management - Digital Transformation

Campus Life and Accommodation

Most of the students at FUS live in the residence halls. Choosing to live on campus can ease the transition to college life. Living in the student residences means you will be closer to the campus community and have more opportunities to join clubs, attend university events, meet new people and develop friendships.

Franklin has been investing in its campuses and working hard to ensure that students, faculty and staff can work in an environment that inspires them to thrive and excel. Franklin is building a third campus site in the form of a sleek and multifunctional building which is being erected in a location adjacent to the Kaletsch campus. The ground floor will host a student center, a place for students to meet, get together or relax, and classrooms with convenient modular spaces. This same floor is also home to the offices of Student Life and Taylor Institute, a medical and counseling center, as well as an art gallery. There will also be four floors holding residences with modern and comfortable apartments for students, and a large fitness center, the new Tone Athletic Center, situated on the very top of the building. Moreover, next to the main building, a remarkable tower-like structure will also be erected, utilizing photovoltaic louvers to produce energy. This edifice will become a space dedicated to a reception area and an auditorium, with a capacity of 100 seats, and a state-of-the-art projection and sound system. Last but not least, the internal courtyard of the complex will additionally include the Angela Fowler Atrium and a spectacular landscaped space, the "Garden of Light", a special wellness garden where students can gather in good weather and find peace.

Extracurricular Activities

Regular intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball, futsal, and dodgeball are among the various recreational activities offered throughout the academic year. A variety of wellness courses taught by qualified professional instructors are also available, including total conditioning workout, cardio dance, Pilates, and yoga. These activities are mainly offered in the on-campus sports facility, the Tone Athletic Center, which includes an outdoor soccer field, a strength and conditioning room, and an indoor sport court. The Franklin Recreational Sports office also coordinates various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, stand up paddling, skiing, snowboarding and sledging.

Student organizations are an exciting opportunity for students to engage with the community, pursue passions and interests, and gain leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Student organizations are exactly that: they are coordinated and led by students, and students fulfill the organizations' missions. Franklin has something for everyone! Whether you like acting, gardening, or discussing current political issues, you can find your niche at Franklin. If you prefer planning student events, allocating funds to clubs and discussing student issues, we encourage you to take part in the Franklin Student Government Association (SGA) too!

Admission Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language are required to submit their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL code 0922) or another internationally recognized test of English language proficiency, e.g. the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). We require a score of 90 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), a score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or a score of 110 on the DET (Duolingo English Test).

To confirm your level of English, you must pass IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score for admission is 6.5. TOEFL - 90 or higher.

US applicants may submit official test results of the SAT (Franklin's code is 0922) or the ACT (Franklin's code is 5223), forwarded to the Franklin University Switzerland Office of Admissions. If scores are submitted they will be taken into account in the evaluation process.

A completed application includes:

A completed application form and payment of a non-refundable application fee of CHF 90 or USD 90*.
A personal statement.
An official copy of the secondary school transcript showing courses and grades.
One letter of personal and academic evaluation. For example, students typically provide letters from a principal, headmaster, counselor or teacher of their choice.
(Optional) US applicants may submit official test results of the SAT (Franklin's code is 0922) or the ACT (Franklin's code is 5223), forwarded to the Franklin University Switzerland Office of Admissions. If scores are submitted they will be taken into account in the evaluation process.

Life in Lugano and Switzerland

Switzerland is widely known as one of the best places to live in the world thanks to its exceptional lifestyle, excellent infrastructure and low crime rate. State-of-the-art public transport, exceptional healthcare and Franklin students have the opportunity to become part of the community through various clubs, visits and activities to further enrich your stay. Franklin students get involved on campus and in the community. Meet your fellow classmates, faculty and staff during one of the dozens of programs, projects and other initiatives hosted every month.

tags: #franklin #university #switzerland #tuition #fees