Loading listings
Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university anchored in downtown Columbus, Ohio, at 201 S Grant Ave, that has built its identity around serving working adults and career changers since 1902. With roughly 7,500 students enrolled across more than 80 degree programs, Franklin operates primarily as a commuter institution where the majority of students balance coursework with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and professional commitments. Classes are offered in flexible formats including evening, weekend, and online options designed to fit around demanding schedules rather than the other way around. The downtown Columbus campus places students in the middle of one of Ohio's fastest-growing urban economies, with major employers in finance, healthcare, technology, and government within easy reach. Franklin's College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, its College of Business, and its College of Health and Public Administration collectively serve a student body that skews older and more experienced than traditional residential universities. The atmosphere on campus is collaborative and professionally focused, attracting students who know what they want from their education and are motivated to get it done efficiently.
Franklin University operates primarily as a commuter and adult-learner institution and does not enforce a traditional freshman live-on requirement. The overwhelming majority of students are working professionals who commute to the downtown Columbus campus. There are no university residence halls, so students are expected to secure their own housing arrangements from the start.
Because Franklin University has no campus housing, all students live off campus by default. Students have immediate access to the full Columbus rental market, ranging from downtown apartments to suburban neighborhoods within easy driving distance. The university's location in the heart of Columbus means housing options are abundant at a wide range of price points.
With no housing lottery or waitlist to navigate, Franklin students can begin searching for apartments on their own timeline. Most students sign leases aligned with semester start dates in August or January. Starting your search two to three months before your intended move-in date gives you the best selection.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Franklin University before signing a lease.
Students who want the widest selection of units near downtown Columbus should begin searching in January or February for a fall move-in. Columbus is a large, competitive rental market with high demand for walkable urban apartments. Starting early also gives you time to compare lease terms and negotiate concessions before peak-season pricing kicks in. Securing housing in winter often means lower rates and more landlord flexibility.
The Columbus rental market heats up significantly between March and May as Ohio State University and other institutions ramp up their own housing cycles. Inventory near downtown narrows quickly during this window, and landlords become less willing to negotiate on price or terms. If you are searching during this period, be prepared to decide quickly once you find a unit that fits your needs. Having your documentation ready in advance will help you move fast.
Students who find themselves searching in June, July, or later will still find openings in Columbus, though the best-located units closest to campus will largely be taken. Corporate apartment communities and newer high-rise buildings downtown often have rolling availability throughout the year. Furnished short-term rentals and month-to-month leases are also options worth exploring if you need a quick solution.
The neighborhood directly surrounding Franklin University's campus offers walkable access to class, restaurants, and transit. Apartment towers and converted lofts give students a range of modern housing options at varying price points.
This vibrant arts and dining corridor sits just north of downtown and is popular with creative professionals and students alike. Rents run higher here, but the walkability and neighborhood energy make it a top choice for Franklin students who value an urban lifestyle.
A historic brick-street neighborhood south of downtown known for its charming architecture and strong sense of community. Apartments and rental homes tend to be smaller and more character-filled, appealing to students who prefer a quieter residential feel.
Located east of downtown, this area offers more affordable rents while remaining a reasonable commute to campus by car or bike. It is a practical choice for budget-conscious students who still want easy access to the city center.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Rents near Franklin University's downtown Columbus campus typically range from about $900 to $1,400 per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom units in the surrounding area generally run between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on the building and amenities. Neighborhoods slightly farther from downtown, such as Franklin Park or the Near East Side, offer more affordable options for students on tighter budgets.
Other universities in Columbus share a similar off-campus housing market.
Chamberlain College of Nursing's Columbus campus is at 4111 Worth Avenue in northeast Columbus, near Easton Town Center and close to Riverside Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth facilities where students complete clinical rotations. The campus focuses on nursing and health sciences, offering the BSN, the RN to BSN…
View housing near Chamberlain College of Nursing OhioColumbus College of Art and Design is a private arts institution in downtown Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1879 and one of the oldest and largest art colleges in the country. The college occupies a compact urban campus close to the Short North, placing students in the middle of Columbus's most active gallery and…
View housing near Columbus College of Art and DesignColumbus State Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Ohio, serving tens of thousands of students annually across its downtown Columbus campus and regional learning centers. Located on Spring Street, CSCC offers associate degrees, transfer pathways, and workforce programs in nursing, information…
View housing near Columbus State Community CollegeThe Ohio State University packs about 61,369 students into Columbus, one of the largest single campuses in the country and the heart of a fast-growing capital city. The center of it all is the Oval, the grassy quad students cross between classes, where legend says stepping on the bronze seal brings bad luck. Campus…
View housing near OSU