Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs Fordham University
- Brigham Young Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 8
- Fordham Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,564 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Brigham Young University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $28,774 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than Brigham Young University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 59% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% 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 Fordham University over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over Fordham University. Net price $15,564 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Brigham Young University. 4% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and Fordham University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,418.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fordham University 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, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $28,774 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $115,096 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
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 Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Brigham Young University saves about $28,774 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $9,779 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while Fordham University leans toward Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fordham offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young 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) 4 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
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
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
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 17% of Brigham Young's student body and 19% of Fordham's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, 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 Brigham Young University or Fordham University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or Fordham University?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Brigham Young University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or Fordham University?
Brigham Young University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 81%.
Brigham Young University 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 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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