1 school for career prep in the northeast (Princeton Review)

Is Fordham University a Good School? An Expert Evaluation for Prospective Students

Overview of Fordham University
Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university with approximately 15,000 students across three New York-based campuses. Founded in 1841 and named after the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx where its original campus is located, Fordham has grown into a top-tier national university over its 180+ year history.

Some key facts about the university:

• Ranked #70 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
• Three campuses based in New York City, centered in the Bronx
• Also maintains a London Centre at Heythrop College
• Approximately 15,000 total students, 8,000+ undergraduates
• Over 90 undergraduate majors offered
• Competitive admissions with a 46% acceptance rate

With its location in and around NYC, Fordham provides all the world-class opportunities and resources of a bustling metropolis right within its backyard. Students enjoy access to unmatched internship and career prospects, cultural attractions, dining, entertainment and more.

Fordham‘s Academics and Faculty
Fordham University is home to some of the top faculty and academic programs in the country. Key aspects of its first-rate academics include:

Faculty

• Over 1,000 highly credentialed faculty members across a wide spectrum of disciplines
• 90% of faculty hold the highest degree available in their fields
• Known for dedication to teaching and mentoring students inside and outside the classroom

Programs and Class Sizes

• 90+ undergraduate degree programs spanning liberal arts, business, sciences, social services, education and more
• Student to faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for highly personalized instruction
• Average class size is just 22 students
• Options for research, study abroad, internships and other hands-on learning

Outcomes

• 4 year graduation rate is 79%, well above the national average of 53%
• Freshman one-year retention rate is 93%, indicating the vast majority of students continue on at Fordham

The data shows that Fordham students receive personalized guidance from distinguished faculty, gain access to world-class academic programs on par with much larger universities, and are exceptionally well-prepared for graduation and career success after college.

Fordham‘s Vibrant and Engaged Campus Life
In addition to stellar academics, campus life and student engagement are also central to the Fordham experience. On and around its iconic, historic campuses, Fordham offers its students:

Housing

• Guaranteed on-campus housing for all 4 years
• 14 unique residence halls providing apartment-style accommodations
• Single-sex, co-ed halls, Living & Learning Communities and other options
• 92% of freshmen choose to live on campus

Activities
With over 100 student clubs and organizations, 18 Division I athletic teams, an array of performing arts groups, and abundant school pride, boredom is never an issue at Fordham.

Location Perks

• Located amid the unmatched culture, dining, arts and entertainment of NYC
• Easy access to unlimited internship and career opportunities
• Strong alumni network in NYC and beyond

Money Matters: Understanding Fordham‘s Costs and Financial Aid
For many families, cost is a key factor in selecting a college. Here‘s a transparent look at what it costs to attend Fordham University and how financial aid can make it accessible for those who qualify:

Annual Cost of Attendance

• Tuition and fees: $61,775
• Room and board: $18,105
• Books, personal expenses, transportation: $3,650
  *Total cost of attendance: $83,530

What You Actually Pay: Net Price
With ample financial aid and scholarships available, most students pay substantially less than the sticker price.

• Average need-based financial aid package: $42,900
• Percent of students receiving need-based aid: 85%
• Average net price after aid: $40,630

So while the published cost to attend Fordham approaches $84,000/year, the average student receives over $42,000 in annual financial assistance, cutting costs roughly in half.

Career Outcomes and Salaries for Fordham Grads
From Day One and continuing long after graduation day, Fordham University invests in the career success of students. This support leads to outstanding employment outcomes including:

• Avg starting salary of $60,500, higher than national average
• 90% employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduating

Fordham‘s Office of Career Services connects students with mentors, internships, workshops, recruiting events and more to help launch their careers. Meanwhile, the vast alumni network provides graduates unmatched networking and employment connections in NYC and beyond.

This combination of robust career guidance from Fordham and the university‘s reputation among employers results in higher than average salaries and exceptional career outcomes for graduates.

Notable Fordham University Alumni
Over 325,000 Fordham graduates are making an impact across numerous fields worldwide. Some of the university‘s many distinguished alumni include:

• Denzel Washington, Academy Award winning actor
• John O. Brennan, Former Director of the CIA
• Kelly Ann Conway, Former Counselor to President Donald Trump
• Mary Higgins Clark, Best-selling suspense novelist
• Charles Payne, Fox Business Network host

Fordham‘s prominent alumni help demonstrate the caliber of education and network afforded to graduates of the university.

The Verdict: Fordham Offers a World-Class Education and Experience
In closing, Fordham University represents an exceptional educational value that prepares students for personal, academic and professional achievement. From its top-tier academics and faculty to an unbeatable location and vibrant student experience, Fordham stacks up against elite private institutions with twice the endowment and prestige.

Prospective students and parents should thoughtfully weigh Fordham‘s academic offerings, campus culture, career preparation and costs against personal needs and preferences. For those seeking a private university experience rooted in real-world learning and Jesuit values, all based in the heart of New York City, Fordham deserves strong consideration.