Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs New York University
- Fordham Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 15
- New York Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New York University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $37,050 vs Fordham University's $44,338, New York University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, New York University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than New York University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
New York
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,050, roughly $7,288 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% 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); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 New York University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick New York University over Fordham University. Net price $37,050 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over New York University. 4% mobility rate vs 3.6%.
Pick New York University over Fordham University. 88% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and New York University are close on paper, but New York University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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, New York University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,050, about $7,288 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $29,152 before any change in aid. Choosing New York 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 $82,509 at New York University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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
New York University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% 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 New York University, it is 3.6%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.9%.
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 New York 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. New York University saves about $7,288 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $3,060 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
New York University is harder to get into, with a 9% 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 Mathematics & Statistics, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. 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 New York University's $37,050.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $20,500 at New York University.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Fordham University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York 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) 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
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.
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
Rankings They Appear On
Fordham University and New York University appear together in 4 rankings. On the Best Communications Colleges in New York, New York University ranks #7 — New York University outranks Fordham University by 2 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Fordham's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while New York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
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 New York).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science & IT. 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 New York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or New York University?
New York University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,050 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or New York University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 3.6%.
Should you choose Fordham University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New York 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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