Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Fordham Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 14
- Worcester Polytechnic Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $43,071 vs Fordham University's $44,338, Worcester Polytechnic Institute delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Worcester Polytechnic Institute benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $103,470 at ten years.
50 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Worcester Polytechnic
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, 21% more than Fordham University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $43,071, roughly $1,267 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Worcester Polytechnic in Engineering (58%). 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute over Fordham University. Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute over Fordham University. Net price $43,071 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 4% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute over Fordham University. 89% completion rate vs 81%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute takes 60%.
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, Worcester Polytechnic Institute comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $43,071, about $1,267 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,068 before any change in aid. Choosing Worcester Polytechnic Institute leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates report median earnings of $103,470, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 21% advantage. Set against borrowing, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 21% 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
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 81%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, it is 2.2%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Worcester Polytechnic Institute's 5,447.
- Business and consulting-track students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has less business program depth, and Fordham University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Worcester Polytechnic 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.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, nearly 5,500 students engage deeply in hands-on learning, particularly in engineering, computer science, biology, and the arts. With a 60% acceptance rate, it attracts a diverse group of learners who thrive in a practical, project-oriented environment. The school's commitment to experiential education stands out, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, which is crucial for those aiming to bridge theory and practice.
Looking beyond graduation, WPI graduates can expect solid financial returns, with a median earnings figure of $103,470 just ten years after earning their degree. This kind of earning potential is significant, especially considering the school's 89% graduation rate, which suggests that most students not only complete their degrees but also move into well-paying jobs. Affordability is a factor too; with a net price of $43,071 after aid, many students find that the investment pays off in their career trajectories.
When it comes to the financial bottom line, WPI students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, a manageable amount considering their earning potential. This is particularly relevant for those who are mindful of their financial future. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are driven, curious, and ready to tackle challenges head-on in a collaborative atmosphere. Overall, WPI is a solid choice for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields while achieving strong financial outcomes.
Rankings They Appear On
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Fordham's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Worcester Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (58%).
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 Worcester Polytechnic).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 60% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is more affordable, with an average net price of $43,071 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 81%.
Fordham University vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute: 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Worcester Polytechnic Institute if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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