fordham.edu

What is Fordham University?

Fordham University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university based in New York City. It enrolls roughly 17,000 students across eight schools, combining a liberal arts foundation with professional programs. Its Jesuit tradition typically emphasizes ethics, service and reflection alongside academic study.

Where it is

Fordham's main campuses are in the Bronx and Manhattan, with additional locations in Westchester County. That New York City setting suits students who want internships, cultural access and professional networking during their studies.

What it offers

The university grants undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Its schools cover fields such as:

• Arts and sciences
• Business
• Law
• Education
• Social service
• Theology and religion

Who it suits

Fordham may appeal to students seeking a mid-sized private university with a strong religious and ethical identity, a city-based experience and access to New York's job market. The Jesuit approach to education, with its focus on cura personalis (care for the whole person), is a defining feature.

For official details on programs, admissions and campus life, see Fordham University.

What programs and majors does Fordham University offer?

Fordham University is a private Jesuit university in New York City with roughly 17,000 students across eight schools. Its academic range is broad: a traditional liberal arts and sciences core plus several professionally oriented colleges.

Undergraduate colleges and typical majors

• Fordham College at Rose Hill and Fordham College at Lincoln Center: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, visual and performing arts, and interdisciplinary programs.
• Gabelli School of Business: accounting, finance, marketing, management, business analytics and related fields.
• School of Professional and Continuing Studies: part-time and adult undergraduate degrees.

Graduate and professional schools

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Gabelli School of Business (MBA and specialized master's)
• Graduate School of Education
• Graduate School of Social Service
• School of Law
• Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education

How to choose Prospective students drawn to a Jesuit liberal arts education with strong humanities and social science offerings may favor the two Fordham colleges. Those targeting business, law, education or social work are typically better served by the corresponding professional schools. Because program availability can differ by campus and degree level, check the official site for current majors, minors and concentrations.

What is the Jesuit, Catholic tradition and how does it influence campus life at Fordham?

The Jesuit, Catholic tradition at Fordham University refers to an educational approach shaped by the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order. It emphasizes intellectual rigor, ethical reflection, service to others, and care for the whole person—often described as cura personalis. Rather than a single set of rules, it is a framework that encourages students to connect learning with questions of meaning, justice, and community.

How it typically shapes campus life

• Academic reflection: Courses across disciplines may invite students to examine ethical and social dimensions of their subjects.
• Service and justice: Community engagement and service opportunities are commonly encouraged as part of student life.
• Spiritual life: Mass, retreats, and interfaith or pastoral programs are available, while students of all backgrounds are generally welcome.
• Community values: Respect, dialogue, and care for others often inform residence life, student organizations, and campus events.

Fordham is located in New York City and serves approximately 17,000 students across eight schools. The Jesuit tradition is most visible in the university’s stated mission and in optional programming, not as a requirement for every student. Prospective students interested in a values-driven education with a strong urban setting may find this environment appealing; those seeking a strictly secular or non-religious campus culture may want to explore how prominent these elements are in daily life.

What is the admissions process and what are the requirements for Fordham University?

Admissions Overview

Fordham University reviews applicants holistically, weighing academic performance alongside essays, recommendations and activities. Prospective students typically apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application, and the university offers Early Action, Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds.

Typical Requirements

• Application form and fee (fee waivers may be available)
• Official high school transcript
• School report and counselor recommendation
• One teacher recommendation
• Essay (personal statement)
• Standardized test scores — Fordham has been test-optional, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is often a choice rather than a mandate
• English proficiency for international applicants, usually via TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo

How It Works

Applicants create an account, submit materials by the posted deadline, and monitor their portal for missing items. After review, decisions arrive by the announced release date; admitted students then confirm enrollment and arrange housing and financial aid.

Where to Learn More

Official details, deadlines and program-specific rules live at Fordham University. Graduate and professional schools within Fordham may set separate requirements, so check the relevant school's page. Because policies such as test-optional status can change by cycle, confirm current criteria directly with the university before applying.

What is the tuition and financial aid like at Fordham University?

Fordham University is a private Jesuit institution in New York City. Because it is private, tuition is typically higher than at public universities, but the university also offers substantial financial aid, so the published price is usually not what most students pay.

Costs to expect

• Tuition and mandatory fees form the core cost.
• Housing and meal plans add significantly for students who live on campus.
• Books, transportation and personal expenses vary by student.

Financial aid

Fordham's aid is need-based and includes grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Aid may come from the university itself, federal and state programs, or outside scholarships. Students generally apply using the FAFSA, and some aid may require the CSS Profile. New York State residents may qualify for state grants.

Who it suits

Families should compare the net price rather than the sticker price. Use Fordham's net price calculator and financial aid office for current figures, since exact amounts change yearly and depend on circumstances. For official details, see Fordham University.

What is student life like at Fordham University's New York City campus?

Student life at Fordham University in New York City is shaped by two distinct residential campuses: the green, enclosed Rose Hill campus in the Bronx and the urban Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan. Both are within Fordham University, and students often describe the experience as combining a traditional college setting with access to the city.

Campus character

• Rose Hill (Bronx): A self-contained campus with Gothic architecture, lawns, residence halls, dining, and athletics. It typically feels more like a classic residential college.
• Lincoln Center (Manhattan): A compact campus near Lincoln Square, suited to students in arts, business, and some graduate programs who prefer an urban base.

Housing and daily rhythm

Most undergraduates live on campus, especially at Rose Hill, where housing is part of the social fabric. Lincoln Center students may live in nearby residence halls or commute. Meals, clubs, and events happen on both campuses, with a shuttle connecting them.

Social and extracurricular life

There are hundreds of clubs, club and intramural sports, student media, performing arts groups, and campus ministry rooted in Fordham's Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Many students take advantage of internships, cultural events, and nightlife across New York City, which becomes an extension of campus life.

Trade-offs

Rose Hill offers a more contained community; Lincoln Center offers proximity to Manhattan's professional and cultural scenes but less traditional campus space. The choice often depends on a student's program and preferred pace.