As one of the most prestigious private universities in New York, Fordham University ranks as the 5th-best college in New York State. Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, rooted in a nearly 500-year-old Jesuit educational tradition that emphasizes academic excellence, care for the whole person (cura personalis), social justice, and critical inquiry.
Fordham’s strategic locations — in the Bronx (Rose Hill) and Manhattan (Lincoln Center) — place students at the epicenter of culture, finance, media, and global influence. This access, combined with strong academics, a close-knit community, and a dedication to ethics and service, makes Fordham a standout university for aspiring leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.
Academic Excellence and Programs
Fordham University offers over 70 undergraduate majors, 130 graduate degrees, and multiple pre-professional tracks in law, medicine, business, and education. Students benefit from small class sizes (average of 23 students), a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and faculty who are active scholars and mentors.
Fordham is organized into ten colleges and schools, the most prominent being:
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Fordham College at Rose Hill – The oldest and largest liberal arts college.
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Fordham College at Lincoln Center – A liberal arts college in Manhattan offering unique programs in the arts and sciences.
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Gabelli School of Business – One of the top undergraduate business schools in the country.
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School of Law – Nationally respected for human rights law, corporate law, and dispute resolution.
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Graduate School of Education, Social Service, Arts and Sciences, and Professional and Continuing Studies.
Notable academic features include:
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Core Curriculum: A rigorous, values-based education in philosophy, theology, ethics, and global cultures.
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Honors Programs: The Rose Hill and Lincoln Center Honors Programs offer intensive seminars, research, and cultural immersion.
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Dual-Degree Programs: Accelerated pathways in law (3+3), business (BS/MBA), and education.
Fordham students go on to top-tier graduate programs and successful careers in law, medicine, finance, journalism, public service, and the arts.
Jesuit Heritage and Mission
As a Jesuit institution, Fordham is guided by the Ignatian tradition — a philosophy that blends intellectual rigor with ethical responsibility and reflection. The university’s mission includes:
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Pursuing truth and wisdom through critical thinking and open dialogue.
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Serving others through community engagement and social justice initiatives.
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Forming global citizens who are compassionate, ethical, and purpose-driven.
Students of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. The university offers programs in theology, interfaith dialogue, and ethics, and encourages service-learning and civic participation.
The Center for Community Engaged Learning connects students to meaningful work in NYC communities, and Fordham is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, Peace Corps volunteers, and Jesuit Volunteer Corps members.
Gabelli School of Business: A Global Leader
Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business is a standout feature of the university. Known for its rigorous academics, global orientation, and integration of business ethics, Gabelli is ranked among the top 25 undergraduate business schools in the U.S.
Highlights include:
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STEM-Designated Programs: Finance, business analytics, and information systems.
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Global Business Honors Program: A selective track with study abroad, internships, and consulting projects.
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Responsible Business Center: Research on corporate social responsibility, ESG investing, and impact entrepreneurship.
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Student Investment Fund: Students manage real investment portfolios in live market environments.
Gabelli’s location in NYC offers students internships and networking with major firms like JPMorgan Chase, PwC, Bloomberg, NBCUniversal, and Goldman Sachs.
Campus Life: Two Worlds in One University
Fordham is unique in offering two distinct campus experiences:
Rose Hill Campus (Bronx)
A traditional 85-acre campus with Gothic architecture, tree-lined pathways, and Division I athletics. Rose Hill is home to most liberal arts, sciences, and pre-health programs.
Lincoln Center Campus (Manhattan)
A vertical urban campus in the heart of New York’s cultural and business district, just steps from Central Park, Broadway, and Columbus Circle. Ideal for students in the arts, business, media, and law.
Both campuses offer:
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State-of-the-art residence halls
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Student centers, fitness facilities, and libraries
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Campus Ministry and interfaith services
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Over 250 clubs and organizations
Signature student organizations include:
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Mimes and Mummers Theater Troupe
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Fordham Ram (student newspaper)
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Black Student Alliance
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Finance Society
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Campus radio (WFUV 90.7 FM) — a nationally recognized public radio station
Fordham Athletics
Fordham is an NCAA Division I school competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The university fields 22 varsity teams, including:
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Football (Patriot League)
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Basketball (A-10)
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Soccer, baseball, track & field, and cross-country
The Rose Hill Gym, one of the oldest basketball arenas in the country, is a beloved symbol of Fordham pride. Intramural and club sports, along with fitness classes and recreational programs, are available on both campuses.
Internships and Career Success
Being in New York City gives Fordham students unparalleled access to internships, part-time work, and career networking. Nearly 90% of undergraduates complete at least one internship, and most do two or more.
Career support includes:
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Career Services Offices at both campuses
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Alumni mentorship programs
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On-campus recruiting by top firms
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Annual career fairs and networking events
Notable employers of Fordham graduates include:
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The New York Times
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Google
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Citigroup
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UNICEF
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Morgan Stanley
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NBC, CNN, and ESPN
The Rams Helping Rams initiative connects current students with alumni mentors, while the Fordham Foundry supports student entrepreneurship with seed funding, mentorship, and accelerator programs.
Prestigious Alumni Network
Fordham has a powerful and loyal alumni base of over 200,000 graduates worldwide. Many have gone on to distinguished careers in public service, business, media, and the arts.
Notable alumni include:
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Denzel Washington – Academy Award-winning actor
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Mario Gabelli – Billionaire investor and namesake of the business school
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John Brennan – Former CIA Director
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Lana Del Rey – Grammy-nominated musician
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Andrew Cuomo – Former Governor of New York
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William J. Casey – Former CIA Director under Ronald Reagan
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Geraldo Rivera – Journalist and television host
These connections enrich Fordham’s reputation and open doors for students entering competitive industries.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Fordham is actively building a diverse and inclusive community. Through initiatives like the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Affinity Spaces, and Anti-Racism Fund, the university promotes belonging and equity.
Programs include:
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First-Generation Student Support
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Global Transition Program for International Students
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LGBTQ+ Resources and SafeZone Training
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Cultural celebrations and heritage months
Over 40% of the undergraduate student body identifies as students of color, and Fordham recruits students from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
Study Abroad and Global Learning
Fordham has over 150 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, and encourages global exploration and cultural exchange. Popular destinations include:
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Rome – Fordham’s own campus in Italy.
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London – Business and liberal arts programs.
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Cape Town, Tokyo, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro
Programs range from full semesters to faculty-led summer courses and service immersion trips. Study abroad is integrated with majors, financial aid, and graduation timelines.
Fordham’s International and Study Abroad Programs Office (ISAP) provides academic advising, travel support, and global internships.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Fordham is committed to affordability. It offers:
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Need-based financial aid
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Merit scholarships up to full tuition
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Athletic and talent-based awards
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Special scholarships for veterans, first-generation students, and high achievers
Nearly 90% of students receive financial assistance, and the university’s Tuition Exchange Program supports families in education-related professions.
The Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to top-performing students, while the Urban Plunge and Manresa Scholars Program provide funding for service-learning and leadership experiences.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Fordham is pursuing a greener, more sustainable future through initiatives such as:
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Campus recycling and composting programs
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Sustainable food and dining practices
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Green building policies
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Energy-efficient renovations
Student organizations like S.A.G.E. (Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice) advocate for climate action and ecological responsibility. The university also offers minors in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Business.
Conclusion: Wisdom, Character, and Global Impact
Fordham University stands out as a top-tier Jesuit institution that offers students a rigorous education rooted in values, opportunity, and real-world impact. Ranked as the 5th-best college in New York, it provides: