Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs University of Florida
- Fordham Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 14
- Florida Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,541 vs Fordham University's $44,338, University of Florida delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Florida's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 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, 20% more than University of Florida
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $37,797 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 24% 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); Florida in Engineering (15%). 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 University of Florida. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over Fordham University. Net price $6,541 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over University of Florida. 4% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick University of Florida over Fordham University. 91% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and University of Florida are close on paper, but University of Florida 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
University of Florida is the harder admit. It takes 24% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,403.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Florida 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, University of Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $37,797 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $151,188 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida 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 $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Florida has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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
University of Florida graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 University of Florida, it is 0.4%. University of Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 27700% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 7.6%.
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 University of Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham 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. University of Florida saves about $37,797 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $13,981 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Florida is harder to get into, with a 24% 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 Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Florida 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 University of Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Florida has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Florida 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Fordham's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Florida leads with Mechanical Engineering (15%).
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 Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while University of Florida concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 University of Florida?
University of Florida is harder to get into, admitting 24% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or University of Florida graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or University of Florida?
University of Florida has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs University of Florida: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Fordham University or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida 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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