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Fordham University vs Lehigh University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

17
Fordham Wins
10
Tied / N/A
19
Lehigh Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,512
Enrollment
5,898
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

59%
Acceptance Rate
26%
1418
SAT Average
1440
32
ACT Midpoint
32
1320-1480
SAT Range
1370-1500

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,915
In-State Tuition
$64,980
$64,915
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,980
$44,338
Average Net Price
$36,931
$32,474
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$16,917
$31,657
Net Price ($30-48K)
$17,140
$37,313
Net Price ($48-75K)
$18,722
$52,228
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,751
21%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
47%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

81%
Graduation Rate
89%
89%
Retention Rate
94%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
85%
$16,236
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,219
18%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

61%
Female
45%
44%
White
60%
21%
Hispanic
11%
7%
Black
5%
13%
Asian
11%
0.73
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$68,008
Earnings (6yr)
$88,810
$75,002
Earnings (8yr)
$97,731
$85,569
Earnings (10yr)
$105,584
$24,300
Median Debt
$21,960
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
79%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

397.82%
Mobility Rate
187.40%
5209.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5702.7%
763.7%
From Bottom 20%
328.6%
$113,300
Parent Median Income
$138,300

Social Capital

1.85
Economic Connectedness
1.84
0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
8.8%
Volunteering Rate
4.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#301-350
N/A
Teaching Score
20.2
N/A
Research Score
18.1
N/A
Citations Score
44.9

The Overviews

Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit

59% accept 81% grad $85,569 earnings $44,338 net

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.

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit

26% accept 89% grad $105,584 earnings $36,931 net

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.

After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.

On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.

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