Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bronx, New York
56.3% Acceptance Rate
Fordham University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
56.3%Acceptance Rate
3.67Avg GPA
1412Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$77,351Annual Cost
$85,569Grad Salary
20.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
56.3%
Avg GPA
3.67
Avg SAT
1412
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1330–1490
ACT Middle 50%
30–33
Need-Based Aid
20.9% receive Pell
Fordham University, established in 1841, is a prestigious Jesuit university in New York City, consistently ranked among the top national universities. Its campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan provide students with access to unparalleled cultural and professional opportunities.
Fordham offers state-of-the-art facilities, including law and business schools, research libraries, and STEM labs. Its strong alumni network and emphasis on service and ethics prepare graduates for leadership roles in various fields.
Fordham University Acceptance Rate
Fordham University takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 56.3% each year.
What Fordham University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 56.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.22
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Fordham University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 1 for Fordham University (Early Decision I — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 96 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: December 20
Early Decision II
January 3
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 3
Decision by: April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Merit scholarship priority: 2025/11/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Fordham University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Fordham University is 3.67. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.37 and 3.67? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.87–4.07.Fordham University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.27 – 3.46
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.26
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-optional for both admission and scholarship consideration.
- Supplemental essay is optional (300 words, choice of 4 prompts) but strongly recommended by admissions advisors as a differentiator.
- Theatre and Dance majors face a required Priority Performance deadline of November 1, separate from general application deadlines.
- Reported acceptance rate has tightened into the mid-40s to mid-50s% range depending on source/year - treat exact figures as directional, not precise.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Fordham University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Fordham University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Fordham University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Fordham University — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Fordham University Without SAT or ACT?
Fordham University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Fordham University Average SAT Score: 1412
Admitted students at Fordham University average a 1412 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1412 — Very Competitive
Fordham University's SAT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1490 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Fordham University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1330? A retake is worth it at Fordham University — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 710 | 660 | 760 |
| SAT Reading | 700 | 670 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1412 | 1330 | 1490 |
A score under 1330 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1490+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Fordham University with a 1500 SAT?
At 1500, your SAT is squarely in Fordham University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Fordham University ACT Requirements
Fordham University's admitted students average an ACT of 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
Fordham University's ACT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 31 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into Fordham University with a 33 ACT?
At 33, you're in the top quarter of Fordham University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Fordham University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Fordham University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Fordham University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Pick your campus and college deliberately - it's a formal choice, not a formality
Applicants must select both a campus (Rose Hill in the Bronx or Lincoln Center in Manhattan) and a college (Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, or the Gabelli School of Business) at the time of application, and are evaluated specifically for that combination. Research both campuses concretely and explain your specific reasoning if given the chance - reviewers notice generic "either campus is fine" framing.
Write the optional 300-word essay - treat "optional" as "expected"
Fordham's supplemental essay is technically optional, but it's one of the few places to add personal voice beyond the Common App essay. Pick the one prompt (perspective-shifting experience, community contribution, NYC readiness, or personal pride) where you already have a specific true story - don't force-fit an impressive-sounding but generic anecdote into 300 words.
Connect your essay explicitly to Fordham's Jesuit "cura personalis" framing
Fordham's Jesuit identity (educating "mind, body, and soul," care for the whole person) is a real evaluative lens reviewers apply, not just marketing language. Reference intellectual curiosity, ethics, or service concretely tied to a specific Fordham resource (a class, club, or research opportunity) rather than praising the Jesuit tradition abstractly.
Use Early Action to get a faster read without binding commitment
Fordham's November 1 Early Action deadline is non-binding and gets you a decision well ahead of the January regular deadline - unlike Early Decision, which is binding. If Fordham isn't your definite first choice but you want an early read, EA is the lower-risk path; theatre and dance majors must also hit this November 1 deadline for required Priority Performance review.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes treat the campus/college choice as a minor logistics field on the form. It isn't - Fordham evaluates applicants specifically against their chosen campus and college combination, so an application that reads as generically "any Fordham program" without addressing why Rose Hill vs. Lincoln Center, or why Gabelli vs. Fordham College, can come across as under-researched even with strong grades.
Fordham University Profile
Full Name
Fordham University
City
Bronx
State
New York
ZIP Code
10458
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Fordham University Degree Worth It?
Whether Fordham University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $77,700, and graduates see a 3.64% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Fordham University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $77,351/year at Fordham University; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land typically much lower.
At Fordham University, 20.9% receive a Pell Grant and 47% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Fordham University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Fordham University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Fordham University graduates report a median income of $85,569, about 111% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Fordham University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Fordham University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Fordham University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Fordham University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Fordham University Admissions
Graduates of Fordham University earn a high median salary — $85,569/year, varying by field.
Tuition at Fordham University runs high — roughly $77,351+/year — so financial aid planning matters.
20.9% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average — Fordham University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Fordham University's acceptance rate is 56.3%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Fordham University students is 3.67, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.37 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Fordham University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.27 or below makes admission tougher at Fordham University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
Fordham University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1412, and within the 1330–1490 range, keeps you competitive.
Fordham University's deadline is November 1 (Early Decision I), with decisions out by December 15.
Fordham University charges an application fee of 70; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Merit scholarship priority: 2025/11/01 — that's Fordham University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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