Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 13
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $32,875 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $63,435 at ten years.
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, 35% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,300, the lower of the two
Pennsylvania State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,875, roughly $11,463 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Fordham University. Net price $32,875 vs $44,338.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Fordham University. 86% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Pennsylvania State University are close on paper, but Fordham 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 Pennsylvania State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,337.
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, Pennsylvania State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,875, about $11,463 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,852 before any change in aid. Choosing Pennsylvania 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 $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 35% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 35% 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
Pennsylvania State University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania State University saves about $11,463 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $22,134 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 Pennsylvania State 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 Pennsylvania State University's $32,875.
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
Rankings They Appear On
Fordham University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in New York 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 Pennsylvania State'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 Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering, 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 Pennsylvania State University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 81%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania 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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