Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 12
- Ohio State Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,339 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Ohio State University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Ohio State University-Main Campus'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
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than Ohio State University
Ohio State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,339, roughly $26,999 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,976, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Ohio State in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Ohio State University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over Fordham University. Net price $17,339 vs $44,338.
Pick Ohio State 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 Ohio State University are close on paper, but Ohio State University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Ohio State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,387.
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, Ohio State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,339, about $26,999 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Ohio State University also borrow less: median debt of $19,976, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $107,996 before any change in aid. Choosing Ohio State 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 $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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
Ohio State 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Ohio State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Ohio State University saves about $26,999 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $25,160 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. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while Ohio State University leans toward Engineering, Health Professions. 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 Ohio State University's $17,339.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $19,976 at Ohio State University.
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Ohio State 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
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.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.
Rankings They Appear On
Ohio State University-Main Campus is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Ohio ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 20% of Ohio State's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while Ohio State University concentrates in Engineering, Health Professions, 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 Ohio State University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 61% at Ohio State University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Ohio State University?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Ohio State University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Ohio State University?
Ohio State University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 81%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Ohio State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State 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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