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Head-to-Head Comparison

Fordham University vs Texas A&M University-College Station

Fordham Wins
13
Tied
15
Texas A&M Wins
20

Direct Answer

For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,315 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station'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, 19% more than Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M

  • Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $23,023 a year less
  • Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
  • Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two

The Actual Decision

What are you really choosing between?

Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.

If you want… Choose
Engineering Texas A&M
Math & quantitative work Fordham
Pre-med & health Texas A&M
Economics & public policy Fordham
Arts & design Fordham
Communications & media Fordham
Business & entrepreneurship Fordham
Lab & physical sciences Texas A&M
Psychology Fordham
Computer science & AI Either

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?

Maximizing post-grad earnings → Fordham University

Pick Fordham University over Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.

Keeping costs down → Texas A&M University-College Station

Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Fordham University. Net price $21,315 vs $44,338.

Key Metrics at a Glance

Graduation Rate

81%
Fordham
vs
84%
Texas A&M

Earnings (10yr)

$85,569
Fordham
vs
$72,097
Texas A&M

Avg Net Price

$44,338
Fordham
vs
$21,315
Texas A&M

Median Debt

$24,300
Fordham
vs
$17,804
Texas A&M

The Analysis

Verdict

Fordham University and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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

Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,280.

So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $23,023 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $24,300.

So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $92,092 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 19% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.28x.

So what: An earnings gap of 19% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station 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. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $23,023 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $13,472 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 Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Fordham Not for everyone
  • Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
  • Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
  • Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
Texas A&M Not for everyone
  • Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.

Full Data Breakdown

Inside the admissions office

Texas A&M 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
Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southwest
10,512
Enrollment
59,615
No
HBCU
No
Admissions
4 metrics
59%
Acceptance Rate
57%
1418
SAT Average
1280
32
ACT Midpoint
28
1320-1480
SAT Range
1150-1400
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set)
4 metrics
Yield Rate
38%
SAT Submitted
77%
ACT Submitted
19%
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Cost & Financial Aid
9 metrics
$64,915
In-State Tuition
$13,154
$64,915
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,124
$44,338
Average Net Price
$21,315
$32,474
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,784
$31,657
Net Price ($30-48K)
$13,317
$37,313
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,435
$52,228
Net Price ($110K+)
$30,660
21%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
47%
Federal Loan Rate
26%
Academics
5 metrics
81%
Graduation Rate
84%
89%
Retention Rate
94%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$16,236
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,776
18%
First-Gen Students
30%
Student Body
6 metrics
61%
Female
51%
44%
White
52%
21%
Hispanic
26%
7%
Black
2%
13%
Asian
14%
0.73
Diversity Index
0.64
Outcomes
6 metrics
$68,008
Earnings (6yr)
$59,386
$75,002
Earnings (8yr)
$66,077
$85,569
Earnings (10yr)
$72,097
$24,300
Median Debt
$17,804
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.25x
79%
Earning Above HS Grad
82%
Social Mobility (Chetty)
4 metrics
3.98%
Mobility Rate
52.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
7.6%
From Bottom 20%
$153,935
Parent Median Income (today's $)
Social Capital
3 metrics
1.85
Economic Connectedness
0.01
Friending Bias
8.8%
Volunteering Rate
Online Education (IPEDS)
2 metrics
11.5%
% Exclusively Online
6.2%
32.9%
% Any Online
39.9%

The Overviews

Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit

59% accept 81% grad $85,569 earnings $44,338 net

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.

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

57% accept 84% grad $72,097 earnings $21,315 net

With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.

When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.

Rankings They Appear On

Texas A&M University-College Station is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Texas ranking.

Explore all rankings →

Top Degree Programs

Fordham's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).

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 Texas A&M).

The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.

Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.

Do Fordham University or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?

Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.

Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 81%.

Should you choose Fordham University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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