Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Santa Clara University
- Fordham Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- Santa Clara Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Fordham University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Santa Clara University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $50,062 compared to Fordham University's $44,338. Students who choose Fordham University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $85,569 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Lower cost: Average net price of $44,338, roughly $5,724 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Santa Clara
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Fordham University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,162, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 48% 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); Santa Clara in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 Santa Clara University over Fordham University. Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Fordham University over Santa Clara University. Net price $44,338 vs $50,062.
Pick Fordham University over Santa Clara University. 4% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University are close on paper, but Santa Clara 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
Santa Clara University is the harder admit. It takes 48% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,426.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Santa Clara 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, Fordham University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $44,338, about $5,724 a year below Santa Clara University's $50,062. Graduates of Santa Clara University also borrow less: median debt of $19,162, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $22,896 before any change in aid. Choosing Fordham University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Santa Clara University graduates report median earnings of $109,183, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, Santa Clara University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% 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
Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University, it is 2.2%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
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 Fordham University to keep costs and debt down; pick Santa Clara 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. Fordham University saves about $5,724 a year, yet Santa Clara University graduates earn $23,614 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Santa Clara University is harder to get into, with a 48% 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 Santa Clara University leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $19,162 at Santa Clara University.
- Engineering-focused students: Santa Clara University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Santa Clara University's 6,552.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $50,062 runs well above Fordham University's $44,338.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Santa Clara 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
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.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.
The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.
Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.
Rankings They Appear On
Santa Clara University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 27% of Santa Clara's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Santa Clara).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while Santa Clara University concentrates in Engineering. 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 Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into, admitting 48% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
Fordham University is more affordable, with an average net price of $44,338 after aid versus $50,062 at Santa Clara University.
Do Fordham University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more: median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs Santa Clara University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Fordham University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Santa Clara 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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