Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Union College
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 11
- Union Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $34,561 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Union College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Union College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $88,604 at ten years.
45 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
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $9,777 a year less
- More selective: Admits 44% 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); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College over Fordham University. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Union College over Fordham University. Net price $34,561 vs $44,338.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Union College are close on paper, but Union College 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
Union College is the harder admit. It takes 44% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,395.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Union College 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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $9,777 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $39,108 before any change in aid. Choosing Union College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 Union College 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, Mathematics & Statistics, while Union College leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Union College's $34,561.
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College has less business program depth, and Fordham University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Union 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) 1 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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
Rankings They Appear On
Fordham University and Union College appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Fordham University ranks #23 — Fordham University outranks Union College by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Fordham's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Humanities. 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 Union College?
Union College is harder to get into, admitting 44% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Union College?
Union College has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 81%.
Should you choose Fordham University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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