Selecting the perfect college that aligns with your academic interests, career aspirations, lifestyle preferences and budget may seem impossible. However, arming yourself with insider knowledge can transform this overwhelming decision into an informed investment in your future.
As an admissions coach and former university administrator, I‘ve guided thousands of students in identifying schools where they will thrive inside and outside the classroom. Fordham University is one which often tops the list for high-achieving, ambitious scholars from around the globe.
Yet, many naturally wonder – is Fordham really among the country‘s best institutions where I‘ll feel at home for four important years? By comprehensively evaluating Fordham‘s offerings compared to comparable universities, this guide will reveal whether it can deliver an enriching experience given your personal priorities.
A Leader Among National Universities
Before analyzing Fordham‘s credentials across academics, student life, admissions and outcomes, it‘s important to quantify what establishes its reputation as a top-tier national university.
National University Rankings
Academic Prestige and Selectivity
- 7% acceptance rate for early decision applicants, 46% overall
- Middle 50% SAT range: 1300-1440; ACT range: 29-33
- Average GPA of admitted students: 3.73 unweighted
Student Success Indicators
- 72% graduate in 4 years, 80% within 6 years
- 95% 1st to 2nd year retention rate
- 60% of classes under 20 students
Geographic Diversity
- Students hail from 47 states and 65 countries
- Alumni around the globe total 300,000+
With these statistics in context, you can appreciate why Fordham competes for students locally and globally against top-tier private research institutions.
Now, let‘s analyze whether Fordham‘s offerings in key areas stand up to in-depth scrutiny.
Academic Rigor and Support Systems
I will admit very few universities can compete with an Ivy League education. Yet Fordham comes remarkably close given its breadth of esteemed programs taught by distinguished faculty and backed by comprehensive student services.
Renowned Faculty and Specialized Schools
Fordham attracts professors conducting advanced research alongside educating students in their field of expertise. With 95% holding terminal degrees, students directly learn from renowned academics and professionals rather than teaching assistants alone.
Fordham maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 so you are guaranteed exposure to esteemed researchers and professors in both lectures and labs. Such intimate learning facilitates mentorship opportunities to guide you toward internships, publications and career paths aligned to your aspirations.
For those who have identified a specific discipline, Fordham’s specialized schools allow you to concentrate your studies among students sharing your passions. Dive deeper through dedicated facilities, equipment, research Institutes and faculty.
- Business: Gabelli School of Business
- Education and Psychology: Graduate School of Education
- Law: Fordham University School of Law
- Social Work: Graduate School of Social Services
- And more…
Diverse Majors and Concentrations
Pursue your unique interests through more than 60 majors across nine academic units:
- College of Liberal Studies
- Schools of Business, Education, Law, and Social Services
- Graduate Schools of Arts & Sciences and Religion & Religious Education
- Faculties of Sciences and Technology
Whether your strengths lean quantitative or creative, Fordham empowers you to develop them fully. Explore majoring in everything from biochemistry to medieval studies, playwriting to applied physics across four years immersed in your passions before entering competitive graduate programs and job markets.
For added focus, combine majors and minors with pre-professional tracks like pre-med or concentrations in areas from sociology to finance tailored to your career trajectory. Honors tracks also deliver enriched learning through smaller classes, research and cultural experiences for qualifying students.
Graduation, Retention and Placement
While Fordham promises the freedom to chart your own academic journey guided by esteemed faculty, it also offers comprehensive guidance so you complete it successfully through to placement in rewarding careers or graduate programs.
The 4-year graduation rate is 73% while 82% graduate within 6 years – on par with Ivy League completion timelines and well above the national average indicating most fulfill degree requirements on schedule.
An impressive 96% freshman retention rate means students overwhelmingly find Fordham’s academic culture and support ecosystem enables their ongoing success. This statistic speaks volumes regarding students‘ satisfaction with Fordham‘s ability to facilitate thriving.
Once you‘ve earned that diploma, Fordham delivers on transitioning you into the next phase of your vocational journey:
- 95% secured full-time employment or acceptance to graduate school within 6 months of graduating
- 65% of graduates who apply are accepted to medical school, well above the national matriculation rates near 50%
Whether you aspire toward law school, research, tech startups or the arts, Fordham‘s mix of academics and real-world preparation provides the foundation. Now let’s explore the experience that brings these credentials to life.
Vibrant Campus Life
While I always advise students not to choose a college based on amenities alone, ideally you will spend four years immersed in an environment outside academics that enriches you socially and culturally. Fordham balances scholarly rigor with vibrant urban campuses bursting with energy, activities and tight-knit communities.
The Heart of New York City
Fordham‘s biggest differentiator is its infusion into the pulse of New York City across three unique campuses, each with distinct personalities. The city becomes your extended campus, connecting you to unmatched opportunities.
Rose Hill: Historic Bronx Campus
Nestled on 85 green acres, Rose Hill transports you out of the urban jungle with a traditional campus feel. Its elegant architecture housing academic buildings, libraries and residence halls resembles top Northeast institutions.
Lincoln Center: Arts and Culture Hub
For city lovers not willing to abandon urban conveniences, Lincoln Center sits amid world-class culture. Attend orchestra performances at the Metropolitan Opera House between classes or grab cappuccinos with friends at iconic cafes throughout the thriving Upper West Side neighborhood.
Westchester: Suburban Law and Commuter Campus
Westchester caters largely to graduate commuters from New York City‘s northern suburbs. Law, business, education and social work students access this campus‘s specialized facilities and enjoy scenic views of the countryside.
Housing, Transportation and Neighborhoods
Understanding the housing, transportation and neighborhoods defining Fordham starts with knowing most undergraduates complete freshman year on Rose Hill‘s traditional campus before accessing all New York has to offer.
On-Campus Housing and Amenities
Over 3,500 freshman and sophomores call Rose Hill’s residence halls home with priority given to students traveling from abroad or distant states. Upperclassmen who wish to remain on campus longer compete for limited housing on Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.
Those moving off-campus tap into Fordham‘s online portal listing area vacancies searchable by commute time, rent and amenities. Most opt for apartment shares ranging $800-$1200 monthly within nearby neighborhoods – a reasonable price to reside yards from Manhattan.
Between academics, Fordham’s campuses offer everything for daily necessities so you needn’t venture far. Residence halls contain laundry, lounges, study rooms and cafeterias. Liberal meal plans allow dining at any campus cafe from all-day grills to Starbucks. Wellness centers supply medical and counseling services.
Transportation Made Simple
Fordham campuses integrate seamlessly with New York public transit through shuttles, subway stops and MetroNorth stations. Explore the city independently or easily reunite with friends at another campus for weekend fun. Identify housing near convenient transit hubs for quick campus commutes under 30 minutes.
Neighborhoods
Familiarize yourself with the communities bordering each campus to determine where you would feel most at home based on priorities of affordability, safety, amenities and culture.
- Rose Hill: Belmont, Little Italy, Arthur Avenue
- Lincoln Center: Upper West Side, Hell‘s Kitchen, Harlem
- Westchester: Rye, New Rochelle, Scarsdale
Performing Arts, Recreation, Service and Spirituality
While academics may anchor your Fordham experience, abundant activities spanning recreational sports, multicultural groups, performing arts and religious ministries will make it unforgettable.
With over 100 student-run clubs/organizations to join, you are guaranteed to find friends uniting around shared interests and cultures.
Recreational Sports and Wellness
Balance scholastics with 19 Division I varsity athletic teams and extensive intramural leagues from basketball to flag football. Work out at state-of-the-art fitness centers offering everything from Olympic pools to indoor rock climbing.
Performing Arts
Allow your creative talents to shine on one of Fordham’s theatrical stages or through a cappella groups and dance troupes embracing artists from beginners to seasoned performers.
Service and Social Justice
Fordham ingrains within students a commitment to service through established partnerships with schools, hospitals and shelters throughout NYC’s boroughs. See firsthand how you can impact local communities while gaining practical experience.
Spirituality and Ministry
Given its Jesuit heritage, Fordham provides abundant resources from masses and spiritual direction to retreads fostering introspection amid busy student schedules.
This breadth of programming facilitates discovering new passions while forming bonds that endure beyond Fordham.
Outcomes That Transform Lives
While finding one‘s community and purpose during college holds intrinsic value, ultimately students and families alike consider the long-term return on investment a university delivers through outcomes.
Let‘s evaluate how Fordham prepares you for career, finances, graduate school and life overall based on the data.
Career Readiness Starts Early
From your first semester, Fordham‘s Center for Career Services helps translate your academic coursework and passions into a forward-thinking vocational game plan.
Schedule a meeting with a career coach at any stage for guidance on internships, resume reviews, networking etiquette, job fairs and interviews. Sign up for their exclusive jobs database where alums and employers post opportunities.
This comprehensive employment preparation combined with the power of Fordham‘s brand and New York location pays dividends.
Employment Statistics
- 95% employed or accepted to graduate school within 6 months of graduating
- 98% achieve successful placement within 2 years
Starting Salaries by Major
| Major | Average Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| Accounting | $63,500 |
| Finance | $72,800 |
| Marketing | $59,200 |
| Computer Science | $82,300 |
| Communications | $51,400 |
| Psychology | $46,800 |
Top Employers of Graduates
JPMorgan Chase, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Goldman Sachs, NBCUniversal, Morgan Stanley, IBM, CBS, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Amazon
This small sampling of average first-year compensation exemplifies why employers compete for Fordham talent across industries – especially those valuing business acumen coupled with communication skills.
Affordability and Value
With yearly tuition and expenses approaching $80,000 at many top private institutions, Fordham holds accessibility as a core principle by empowering financial aid to make enrollment a reality for students from varying backgrounds.
Over 60% of undergraduates demonstrate financial need with Fordham distributing about $380 million in university scholarships and grants yearly – averaging over $35,000 per aided student.
What is the true net investment?
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Published Tuition | $53,930 (2022-23) |
| Average Aid Package | $37,500 |
| Average Net Price | $27,000 |
This net price falls thousands below similar caliber institutions while delivering comparable academic quality and post-graduate outcomes – an intriguing value proposition if Fordham meets your needs.
Thousands of families opt to pay this net investment based on Fordham‘s lifetime income premium, job security and career mobility compared to public university graduates. While loans may fund some costs, finance them judiciously.
Fordham‘s most recent graduating class carried an average debt load of $28,000 with five-year loan default rates under 2% – evidence managing repayment is feasible given anticipated salaries.
Those qualifying for need-based aid also gain eligibility for Fordham‘s Work Study program to earn $3,000+ annually toward expenses and reduce borrowing.
Merit Scholarships
While need-based grants aid lower-income students, those demonstrating high academic aptitude can offset costs further through renewable merit scholarships worth between $5,000 to full-tuition annually:
- Presidential Scholarship: Six full-tuition awarded
- Trustee Scholarship: Full tuition minus $5,000
- Macaulay Honors College: Full tuition, laptop, cultural funds
Start the Net Price Calculator to ascertain Fordham‘s affordability given your unique situation. With 62% paying under $30,000 yearly and prudent budgeting, graduating debt-free is realistic.
Alumni Outcomes That Make Headlines
Fordham takes pride in nationally-recognized alumni commanding salaries higher than Ivy League peers on average while making meaningful societal impacts.
Denzel Washington (College of Liberal Studies ‘77)
The two-time Academy Award winning actor and director credits Fordham professors with mentoring the talents that led to Hollywood. He generously funds performing arts scholarships to pay that guidance forward.
John O. Brennan (Graduate School ‘80)
Alum Brennan served as Director of Homeland Security before being appointed Director of the CIA by President Obama – one of the most influential national security posts globally.
Mario Cuomo (Law School ‘56)
The former New York Governor displayed Fordham Law‘s founder engraved on his desk in the state capitol to honor the pivotal role it played in his public policy career.
While most graduates pursue careers far from fame without losing elections, these alumni showcase Fordham‘s power to transform lives for the heights of any student‘s potential.
After reviewing Fordham through an insider lens spanning student experiences, outcomes and costs, you hopefully possess a more nuanced profile of its offerings to weigh against personal priorities other universities under consideration.
Fordham‘s Strong Suits
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Among top 5% of universities nationally with growing academic prestige
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Located in the heart of NYC with access to unmatched opportunities
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Dynamic culture fusing academics, urban energy and tight-knit community
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Boundless choices of programs led by professors advancing their fields
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Career outcomes outpacing the majority of institutions with growing alumni influence
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60% receive financial aid lowering net price to approximate many public universities
Growth Opportunities
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Expand merit scholarship funding to compete for high-achieving applicants
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Enrich sciences with dedicated technology and engineering programs
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Renovate aging undergraduate dorms and build additional on-campus housing
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Increase course access for in-demand majors like psychology and business
If being part of a university on the rise with access to a top-tier education resonates – I assure Fordham has the offerings necessary for an enriching college experience leading to fulfilling lives beyond. While no environment perfectly suits every learner, Fordham‘s holistic strengths make it worth strong consideration.
I wish you clarity and inspiration moving forward on this exciting journey toward adulthood. You hold boundless potential – now boldly choose the university which will empower it fully!