Fordham University Undergraduate Student Demographics: A Detailed Overview
Fordham University, rooted in Jesuit education, seeks to enroll students who not only excel academically but also contribute to a diverse and vibrant community. This article provides a detailed look at the undergraduate student demographics at Fordham University, encompassing various aspects such as admissions, enrollment, costs, and outcomes.
A Holistic Approach to Admissions
Fordham University employs a holistic review process for all applicants, considering various factors beyond standardized test scores. Since Fall 2021, the university has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. If submitted, these scores are just one of many elements evaluated. This approach aims to identify students who are the right match for Fordham, considering their unique talents, experiences, and desire to create a better future.
A Diverse Student Body
Fordham University prides itself on attracting students from diverse backgrounds, both geographically and demographically.
Geographic Diversity
Fordham University demonstrates considerable geographic diversity. A significant portion of the student population comes from out of state. Specifically, 59.24% of Fordham University students come from out of state, and 8.78% come from out of the country. The undergraduate student body represents 39 states. This broad geographic representation enriches the campus environment and fosters a global perspective among students.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Fordham University has made significant strides in attracting students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The university welcomed its most diverse class of students ever. Black and Hispanic students constitute nearly 7% and 26% of the incoming class, respectively, with numbers increasing substantially compared to previous years. The university's commitment to diversity is evident in its ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds, despite challenges such as the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.
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First-Generation and International Students
More than one-quarter of incoming first-year students are first-generation college students, marking a significant step towards providing opportunities for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, 8% of the student body are international students, further enhancing the university's global character.
Age Diversity
Fordham University attracts students of all ages. The university's student age diversity score indicates it is doing a good job attracting students of all ages.
Enrollment Statistics
In 2023, Fordham University had a total enrollment of 16,153 students. Full-time enrollment accounted for 83.4% of the student body, with 13,471 students, while part-time enrollment comprised 2,682 students.
Race and Ethnicity Breakdown
The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is as follows:
- White: 46.1%
- Hispanic or Latino: 17.6%
- Asian: 11.7%
- Black or African American: 7.86%
- Two or More Races: 4.09%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.0681%
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.0619%
Among full-time undergraduate students, the most common demographic is White Female (28.7%), followed by White Male (20%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (11.5%). In full-time graduate programs, the most common demographics are White Female (27.2%), White Male (18.6%), and Hispanic or Latino Female (8.44%).
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Selectivity and Yield
Fordham University received 43,663 undergraduate applications in 2023, with 24,573 students being accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 56.3%. The university's enrollment yield is 9.87%, indicating the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll.
Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
In 2023, the undergraduate tuition at Fordham University was $60,335, significantly higher than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). The average net price, after factoring in grants and loans, was $45,368.
Financial Aid
A substantial number of students receive financial aid to help offset the cost of attendance. In 2023, 86% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 47% received financial aid through loans.
Student Loan Default Rate
Fordham University boasts a low student loan default rate. In 2022, the default rate for borrowers was 0%, with 0 out of 3,187 borrowers defaulting on their loans.
Academic Programs and Outcomes
Degrees Awarded
In 2023, Fordham University awarded 5,749 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. A majority (63.4%) of these degrees were awarded to women, while 36.6% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group among degree recipients was white (2,793 degrees), followed by hispanic or latino (923 degrees).
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Majors
The most common master's degree concentration at Fordham University is Social Work, with 911 degrees awarded. Other specialized majors include Public Administration and Social Service, Legal, and Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Graduation and Retention Rates
Fordham University has a high retention rate. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Fordham University was 88%, exceeding the average of similar Doctoral Universities (84%). In 2023, 78% of students completed their program within the normal time (4 years for a 4-year degree), while 83% completed within 150% of the normal time.
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Fordham University is Male and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate).
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
Fordham University provides students with extensive career resources and opportunities. Proximity to Manhattan, an extensive alumni network, and “top-notch internship placement” are some of Fordham’s greatest assets for career-minded students. The university's vast internship program provides access to more than 3,500 organizations in New York and beyond, with 81 percent of undergrads completing at least one internship. The Gabelli Personal and Professional Development office is particularly effective in preparing business students for employment. The central Career Center offers assistance with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation. Fordham’s Alumni Mentoring Program connects current students with alumni for networking and informational interviews.
Campus Life and Environment
Fordham’s two New York City campuses-Rose Hill in the Bronx and Lincoln Center in Manhattan-feature new and recently renovated academic and extracurricular spaces. The new McShane Campus Center at Rose Hill, a hub for events and career and community-focused resources, is home to the reimagined Marketplace dining hall. Residence halls and athletic centers also received new improvements, like Ram Fit at Lincoln Center. Fordham’s New York City location gives students the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant city culture, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Students at Fordham tend to be "largely wealthy, middle class or higher," and, since "lots of people are from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut," there's a concentration of commuters. On the whole, everyone "has deep respect and admiration for New York City and wants to take advantage of all of the amazing things the city has to offer," and if you fall into that group, "it's quite easy to make friends." That's not just in terms of entertainment-Fordham "applies its Jesuit tradition well in providing opportunities for students to engage in many social justice fights," and students are "passionate about sparking change and collaborating for positive results." Those interested in giving back or bonding through community service will find activities from "volunteering to set up campus as a trick-or-treating space for Bronx residents and their children [to] assisting at the local soup kitchen." It's a collaborative space in and out of class, such as "helping each other find internship placements." Those looking for "friendly, interesting, open-minded, intelligent" peers will be fulfilled by the Fordham experience.
Continuing education is require for counseling staff to maintain their licensure. Counselors have participated in numerous trainings, including those related to trauma informed care, multi-cultural counseling, group therapy, eating disorders, social justice, short term psychodynamic therapy, and suicide prevention, assessment and safety planning. Peer support through Resident Assistants and wellness programs like stress-relief workshops. Most programs cater to cura personalis, a Jesuit tenet that reflect the holistic care for the whole person.
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