Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Lehigh University
- Fordham Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 16
- Lehigh Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Lehigh University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,931 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Lehigh University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Lehigh University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,931, roughly $7,407 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,960, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Lehigh in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Lehigh University over Fordham University. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Lehigh University over Fordham University. Net price $36,931 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Lehigh University. 4% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Lehigh University over Fordham University. 89% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Lehigh University are close on paper, but Lehigh University 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
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,440.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lehigh 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, Lehigh University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,931, about $7,407 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Lehigh University also borrow less: median debt of $21,960, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $29,628 before any change in aid. Choosing Lehigh University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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
Lehigh University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
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 Lehigh University 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
Lehigh University is harder to get into, with a 26% 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.
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while Lehigh University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Lehigh University's $36,931.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
No strong negative signals — Lehigh competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Lehigh University is featured on the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 23% of Lehigh's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while Lehigh University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Fordham University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,931 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs Lehigh University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Lehigh University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Lehigh University 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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