About Fordham University
The Jesuits built Fordham in 1841 with a mission to educate the whole person, and that philosophy still drives this Catholic research university today. The 10,239 students benefit from rigorous liberal arts programs and a highly regarded business school that emphasizes ethics alongside economics. Notable graduates include actor Denzel Washington and legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi, who both exemplify the university's emphasis on excellence and character. The Bronx campus puts students in America's fourth-largest city while maintaining the close-knit feel of a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
The sticker price of $61,992 looks steep, but most families pay far less after financial aid brings the average net price down to $42,581. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $31,239 annually. Graduates earn a median of $85,569 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,300 quite manageable with monthly payments around $258. The 91.5% employment rate suggests Fordham's combination of academic rigor and career services delivers results.
Women comprise 60% of the student body, and the campus draws from across the country with only 38% of students from New York. The Rams compete in NCAA Division I athletics, giving students big-time sports alongside their Jesuit education.
The sticker price of $61,992 looks steep, but most families pay far less after financial aid brings the average net price down to $42,581. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $31,239 annually. Graduates earn a median of $85,569 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,300 quite manageable with monthly payments around $258. The 91.5% employment rate suggests Fordham's combination of academic rigor and career services delivers results.
Women comprise 60% of the student body, and the campus draws from across the country with only 38% of students from New York. The Rams compete in NCAA Division I athletics, giving students big-time sports alongside their Jesuit education.
Academics & Faculty
Fordham's Jesuit Catholic tradition shapes rigorous liberal arts education that demands critical thinking across disciplines. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates small seminar-style classes where professors know students by name. Business students flock to the Gabelli School, which leverages Manhattan proximity for Wall Street internships. The 81.82% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems typical of Jesuit institutions. Philosophy and theology requirements ensure even pre-med students grapple with ethical questions. Communications majors benefit from New York media connections, while the law school consistently ranks among the nation's top programs. With 80.30% graduating within six years, Fordham combines intellectual rigor with pastoral care that helps students persist through challenging coursework.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.3%
- Retention Rate
- 87.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $85,569
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $122,038 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $113,850 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $103,078 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $100,690 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $85,538 |
| Taxation. | Master | $81,702 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $80,705 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $79,081 |
| Economics. | Master | $73,446 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $73,195 |
Campus Life
The Rose Hill campus sits on 85 acres in the Bronx, just a subway ride from Manhattan's heart. With housing for 4,759 students and total enrollment at 10,239, about half the student body lives on campus in Gothic Revival buildings that feel like a traditional college quad. New York winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring brings students to Eddie's Parade, the campus's central green space.
Weekends often start with Saturday tailgates before Rams football games, though many students venture into Manhattan for internships, cultural events, or simply to explore. The 60% female student body creates a social atmosphere, with strong Greek life presence and campus traditions like the annual Spring Weekend concert. Arthur Avenue's "real Little Italy" sits just outside campus gates, offering authentic Italian food beyond dining halls. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while Jesuit values emphasize service - many students volunteer in Bronx communities. Late nights often happen in the library or Walsh Family Library's 24-hour study spaces.
Weekends often start with Saturday tailgates before Rams football games, though many students venture into Manhattan for internships, cultural events, or simply to explore. The 60% female student body creates a social atmosphere, with strong Greek life presence and campus traditions like the annual Spring Weekend concert. Arthur Avenue's "real Little Italy" sits just outside campus gates, offering authentic Italian food beyond dining halls. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, while Jesuit values emphasize service - many students volunteer in Bronx communities. Late nights often happen in the library or Walsh Family Library's 24-hour study spaces.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,759 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1841
Campus Safety (2023)
100 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Rape | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Stalking | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Burglary | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–39°F
- July Avg
- 70°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.8"
Student Demographics
Students at this strong Jesuit university come from across the country, with 62% traveling from outside New York. The student body skews 60% female, reflecting strong programs in education, social work, and communications that traditionally attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Fordham draws from diverse economic backgrounds despite its $62,000 tuition. The university's Jesuit mission of service attracts students seeking both academic rigor and social justice engagement. Nearly half the students are white, while significant Hispanic and Asian populations reflect New York City's diversity.
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 47.2%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 19.1%
- Asian
- 14.2%
- In-State Students
- 37.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.9%
Location
Fordham University sits in the Bronx, just 12 miles north of Manhattan's bustling center. The Rose Hill campus occupies 85 acres in one of New York City's five boroughs, giving students immediate access to America's largest metropolis. The gothic architecture creates a collegiate atmosphere despite the urban setting. With 62% of students coming from outside New York, the university draws talent from across the country to experience college life within the nation's most active city. Students can intern at Fortune 500 companies, attend Broadway shows, and explore strong museums all within subway distance. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Fordham University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bronx, New York 10458
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $85,569
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $81,207
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $53,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $258/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Fordham University?
Fordham accepts 54.13% of applicants, making it moderately selective among private universities. Students typically need strong grades and test scores, with the middle 50% scoring between 1320-1480 on the SAT.
How much does Fordham University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $42,581 after aid, though this varies by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $31,239, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $50,121.
What is Fordham University known for academically?
Fordham operates as a Jesuit Catholic research university with particularly strong liberal arts and business programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the Jesuit emphasis on close mentoring relationships and rigorous intellectual development.
What do graduates of Fordham University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $85,569 ten years after graduation, which is strong for a liberal arts-focused institution. The 91.5% employment rate demonstrates that Fordham's Jesuit education and New York City connections translate into career success.
Where is Fordham University's main campus located?
The main campus sits in the Bronx, giving students access to both green space and New York City opportunities. With housing for 4,759 students, about 46% of the undergraduate population lives on the tree-lined Rose Hill campus.
Does Fordham University have Division I athletics?
Fordham competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference with 19 varsity sports. The Rams allocate over $18 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting a serious commitment to competitive sports alongside academic excellence.
