Fordham University stands out among its peer group of selective, academically robust institutions in the Northeast, where acceptance rates have sharply declined over the past decade. Unlike many of its counterparts, Fordham, situated on a picturesque 85-acre campus in the Bronx, has experienced fluctuations in its acceptance rate. In recent years, Fordham’s acceptance rate has surged to as high as 58%, marking a departure from its periodic dips into the mid-40s during the 2000s.
What is The Fordham Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
Fordham University has yet to disclose its Early Decision (ED) statistics for the Class of 2025. However, for the Class of 2024, ED applicants enjoyed a higher acceptance rate, standing at 58%, in contrast to the 49% acceptance rate for the general applicant pool. Out of the 364 ED applicants in that cycle, a total of 201 were granted admission.
What is The Fordham University Acceptance Rate?
Fordham University received a staggering 46,160 applications for the Class of 2025 and extended offers of admission to 26,925 applicants. This resulted in an acceptance rate of 58%, slightly surpassing the acceptance rate of 53% for the Class of 2024.
What is The Fordham SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank?
Admitted students to the Fordham University Class of 2025 boasted impressive academic credentials, with mid-50% SAT scores ranging from 1340 to 1480 and mid-50% ACT scores ranging from 30 to 34. The average GPA among admitted students stood at 3.77, with 48% ranking in the top 10% of their high school class and 84% placing in the top quartile.
For enrolled students, the SAT range remained strong at 1320 to 1450, with an ACT range of 30 to 33. The average enrolled student GPA was 3.67, with 32% ranking in the top decile and 71% securing a place in the top 25% of their high school class.
What is The Admission Insights at The Fordham University?
Admissions Trends & Notes:
- Fordham continues to be test-optional through the fall of 2023.
- A notable 23% of the Class of 2025 were first-generation college students.
- 5% of the 2021-22 freshman class identifies as having a disability.
- 21% of the Class of 2025 were residents of NYC’s Five Boroughs.
- An overwhelming 60% of applicants admitted last cycle did not submit an ACT or SAT result with their application.
What is The Fordham University Demographics?
Let’s delve into the demographics of current Fordham undergraduates, beginning with the U.S. states with the greatest representation in the Class of 2025:
- The Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut)
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Washington
As at any selective university, competition is toughest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants (the entire Northeast & the West Coast). If you reside in a less populated state like Idaho, Wyoming, or Alaska, your location is more likely to provide a boost to your admissions chances.
Now, let’s examine the breakdown of ethnic identity among members of the Class of 2025:
- Asian American: 14%
- Hispanic: 18%
- African American: 7%
- White: 49%
- Two or more races: 5%
- International: 6%
The religious identity among members of the Class of 2025 is as follows:
- Buddhist: 1%
- Catholic: 39%
- Jewish: 3%
- Hindu: 3%
- Muslim: 5%
- Protestant: 17%
Students in the Class of 2025 attended various types of high schools:
- Public: 52%
- Private: 32%
- Jesuit: 4%
- Unknown: 16%
The gender breakdown in the Class of 2025 notably favors women:
- Male: 35%
- Female: 65%
Due to the rather large gender gap, male applicants are generally admitted at a roughly 10% higher clip than female applicants.
What is The Fordham University Yield Rate?
Fordham University’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll, divided by the total number of admitted students—stood at an exceptionally low 11% last year. This figure reflects the competitive landscape Fordham faces, contending with the same pool of students as many elite institutions in the Northeast. To provide context, here are the yield rates of other private institutions: American University (21%), Georgetown (44%), and Boston University (24%).
What is The Admission Criteria at The Fordham University?
Fordham University emphasizes the importance of two factors in their admissions process: the rigor of the secondary school record and GPA. Additionally, the university considers seven other factors as “important” in their evaluation: the application essay, recommendations, character/personal qualities, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, paid work, and volunteer work.
According to the Fordham admissions staff:
“We honor your school and community context, referencing information provided by your counselor and school profile.”
“Our goal is to find people who aren’t going to sit on the sidelines. Have you been involved in anti-racism work, or in identifying and dismantling anti-Black racism in your school or community (e.g. Black Lives Matter)? Have you been involved in other social causes around the environment or climate change? Have you taken on additional family responsibility in the midst of the pandemic? Do you have a part-time job to help out with expenses?”
“We look at you as a whole person (cura personalis), taking into account your personal characteristics and lived experience, as well as your academic experience and qualifications.”
The Fordham University Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering applying to Fordham University among the almost 47,000 applicants in the next admissions cycle, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- No evaluative interviews are offered at Fordham, so you’ll need to find other ways to make a personal connection through your essays and recommendations.
- Fordham does consider “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process. Your engagement with the university, such as campus visits (in non-pandemic times), contacting admissions officers, or following them on social media, can positively impact your application.
- Dedicate sufficient time and effort to complete the optional supplemental essay required by Fordham. This is an opportunity to further showcase your interests, experiences, and fit for the university.
Conclusion
Fordham University presents a unique opportunity for applicants seeking a rigorous academic environment within a vibrant and diverse community. With its emphasis on holistic admissions and consideration of various factors beyond academic achievements, Fordham aims to cultivate a student body that is engaged, diverse, and committed to making a positive impact. As you navigate the admissions process, remember to showcase your strengths, interests, and personal qualities authentically through your application materials. Good luck to all prospective Fordham students on their journey towards higher education!