Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs Fordham University
- Babson Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 13
- Fordham Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Babson College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $40,514 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Babson College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Babson College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 45% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,514, roughly $3,824 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Fordham
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); Fordham in Business & Marketing (19%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over Fordham University. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Babson College over Fordham University. Net price $40,514 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Babson College. 4% mobility rate vs 2.8%.
Pick Babson College over Fordham University. 93% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and Fordham University are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,457 to 1,418.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Babson College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,514, about $3,824 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Babson College also borrow less: median debt of $20,000, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,296 before any change in aid. Choosing Babson College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 45% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 45% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Babson College, it is 2.8%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Babson College to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Babson College is harder to get into, with a 17% admit rate, but Fordham University posts the higher mobility rate, at 4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Babson competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $20,000 at Babson College.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Fordham does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College and Fordham University appear together in 11 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Babson College ranks #1 — Babson College outranks Fordham University by 40 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 100% of Babson's student body and 19% of Fordham's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. while Fordham University concentrates in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or Fordham University?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or Fordham University?
Babson College is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,514 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Babson College or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or Fordham University?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 81%.
Babson College vs Fordham University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 2.8%.
Should you choose Babson College or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Babson College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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