Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 9
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fordham University achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $44,338 compared to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513 for in-state paths. Students who choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $101,253 at ten years.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,300, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 59% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 18% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $42,513, roughly $1,825 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (72%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Fordham University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Fordham University. Net price $42,513 vs $44,338.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,427.
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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $42,513, about $1,825 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 $7,300 before any change in aid. Choosing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fordham University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Fordham University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
Rankings They Appear On
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Fordham's top program is Business Administration (18% of enrollment), while Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (72%).
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 Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Psychology, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Physical Sciences. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $42,513 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Fordham University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 80%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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