Fordham University is a private, Jesuit research university located in New York City, look at this web-site with campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester County. Founded in 1841 as St. John’s College, it is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the northeastern United States. With a mission rooted in the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Fordham combines rigorous academics with a deep commitment to service and social justice, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Academic Structure and Enrollment

Fordham enrolls approximately 16,800 students across nine schools, including 11,000 undergraduates and 5,700 graduate and professional students. The university operates three campuses: the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx (7,400 students), the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan (8,200 students), and the Westchester campus in West Harrison (200 graduate students).

The university is organized into several schools and colleges:

  • Fordham College at Rose Hill (founded 1841) — 3,800 students
  • Fordham College at Lincoln Center (founded 1968) — 2,400 students
  • Gabelli School of Business — 2,800 undergraduates at Rose Hill, 700 at Lincoln Center
  • Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies — 200 students at Rose Hill, 800 at Lincoln Center
  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Social Service, and School of Law

The Gabelli School of Business offers programs in finance, marketing, accounting, business analytics, and information systems. Its full-time MBA program is ranked No. 60 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Rankings and Recognition

Fordham is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University with High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Fordham placed No. 97 among National Universities.

In global rankings, Fordham is ranked No. 1332 in Best Global Universities, with strong subject placements in Psychiatry/Psychology and Economics and Business. Forbes ranked Fordham No. 131 among its top colleges.

The Jesuit Tradition and Student Experience

Fordham’s identity is deeply shaped by its Jesuit heritage. The university’s mission emphasizes educating the whole person—intellectually, morally, and emotionally—and fostering a “community of care” where students, faculty, and administrators support one another.

This culture is evident in the experiences of students like Addy Wynkoop, a political science major from Seattle who was drawn to Fordham’s mid-sized community and strong program in a big city. She describes the campus culture as one where “people hold doors for each other like crazy” and where students genuinely want to see each other succeed. Wynkoop has thrived through campus involvement, including serving as a tour guide, working with the Campus Activities Board, and co-leading the Fordham chapter of A Moment of Magic Foundation, a volunteer group that visits children in local hospitals.

Fordham students benefit from the university’s location in New York City, with access to internships, cultural institutions, and professional opportunities. The Ram Van shuttle connects the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, making it easy for students to move between the Bronx and Manhattan.

The university offers more than 160 clubs and organizations, along with intramural sports and leadership development opportunities. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 23 students, Fordham ensures that students receive personal attention from professors.

Admissions and Student Profile

Fordham’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 56-58% for the Class of 2029. For Fall 2025, the university received 43,640 applications and offered admission to 25,207 students, with 2,478 students enrolling.

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1320-1480, with an ACT range of 30-33. The average high school GPA is 3.63-3.69. Fordham is test-optional, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.

The Class of 2029 is diverse: 49.6% of domestic students are students of color, including 22.8% Hispanic/Latinx, 13% Asian, and 6.4% Black students. 26.4% are first-generation college students, and 26.2% are Pell Grant recipients. Students come from 50 states and over 100 countries, with 8.1% international students.

Cost and Financial Aid

For the 2024-2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees are $64,915**, with on-campus room and board at **$24,090, bringing total direct costs to approximately $89,150**. For 2025-2026, the estimated full price is **$92,960.

However, Fordham is committed to making education accessible. More than 95% of first-year students receive some type of financial aid, and 86% of undergraduates receive grants. the original source The estimated price after average financial aid is $48,100**, and for low-income students, the average price drops to **$31,240. The average financial aid package is approximately $44,594.

Notable Alumni

Fordham’s alumni network includes more than 200,000 graduates who have made significant contributions across journalism, sports, government, and entertainment.

Broadcasting and Journalism:

  • Vin Scully (Class of 1949) — Legendary voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster, and Radio Hall of Famer
  • Mike Breen (Class of 1983) — Voice of the New York Knicks and NBA Finals on ABC, recipient of the Vin Scully Award
  • Michael Kay (Class of 1982) — Voice of the New York Yankees on YES Network
  • Charles Osgood (Class of 1954) — Award-winning journalist and CBS News anchor
  • Jim Dwyer (Class of 1979) — Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times

Sports:

  • Vince Lombardi (Class of 1937) — Legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers
  • Wellington Mara (Class of 1937) — Owner of the New York Giants

Government and Public Service:

  • Geraldine Ferraro (Law Class of 1960) — First woman nominated by a major party for Vice President of the United States
  • Malcolm Wilson (Class of 1933) — Governor of New York State
  • E. Gerald Corrigan (Graduate School) — President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Entertainment:

  • Alan Alda (Class of 1956) — Award-winning actor
  • Bob Keeshan (Class of 1951) — “Captain Kangaroo,” Emmy and Peabody Award-winning children’s educator

Other Notable Alumni:

  • Donald Trump — President of the United States (attended Fordham before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania)
  • Ruth Whitehead Whaley (Law Class of 1924) — First African-American woman admitted to practice law in New York State
  • The Rev. Vincent R. Capodanno (Class of 1952) — U.S. Navy Chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient

A Fordham Education

Fordham University offers a distinctive educational experience: the intellectual rigor and personal attention of a mid-sized Jesuit institution, combined with the unmatched opportunities of New York City. With a strong commitment to financial aid, a diverse and engaged student body, and an alumni network that spans every sector of American life, Fordham prepares students to “embrace and create change” in the world. For students seeking an education that values both academic excellence and ethical formation, official statement Fordham stands as a compelling choice.