At $42,581/yr net price, Fordham University graduates earn $85,569/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $51,569/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $42,581 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $170,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $85,569/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$51,569/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,239/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,504/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $38,039/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $41,753/yr |
| $110,001+ | $50,121/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $122,038 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $113,850 | $50,293 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $100,690 | $147,561 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $85,538 | $21,199 |
| Taxation. | Master | $81,702 | $20,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $80,705 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $79,081 | $83,264 |
| Economics. | Master | $73,446 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $73,195 | $26,870 |
The Risk Factor
80.3% of students at Fordham University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Fordham University delivers strong financial returns despite its steep price tag, with graduates earning above-average salaries that justify the investment for most students. The median earnings of $85,569 after ten years provide solid payback potential, especially considering the relatively modest debt load of $24,300 for most graduates.
Business and finance majors at Fordham see strong returns, with business administration graduates earning $113,850 annually and finance majors pulling in $103,078. These programs represent the school's strongest financial bets. Law graduates face a tougher calculation, earning $100,690 but carrying nearly $150,000 in debt that significantly extends payback periods.
Your biggest financial risk at Fordham is the high net price of $42,581 annually. Only 21% of students receive financial aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. This makes Fordham primarily accessible to higher-income families or students willing to take on substantial loans.
Fordham works financially if you target high-earning majors like business or finance and can afford the tuition without excessive borrowing. The school's New York location provides access to lucrative finance and business opportunities that help graduates service their debt and build wealth.
Skip Fordham if you need significant financial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields. The limited aid availability and high costs make it financially risky for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the full price. Consider state schools or private colleges with better aid packages if affordability is your primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fordham University worth the high tuition cost?
Fordham's $42,581 annual net price is steep, but graduates earn $85,569 after 10 years, which helps offset costs. The school's business and finance programs show strong returns, with finance graduates earning over $103,000 annually.
What are the best paying majors at Fordham University?
Educational Administration leads at $122,038, followed by Business Administration at $113,850 and Finance at $103,078. Law graduates earn around $100,690, making these programs the strongest financial bets at Fordham.
How much student debt do Fordham University graduates typically have?
Fordham graduates leave with a median debt of $24,300, which is manageable compared to the national average. With starting salaries in the mid-$80,000s for most graduates, debt payments should be reasonable.
Does Fordham University have good job placement and earning potential?
Fordham graduates earn $85,569 ten years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional for the tuition paid. The 80% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, though earnings vary significantly by major.