US University · Ranked #67
Fordham University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Fordham University is a moderately selective university in New York, New York, admitting around 46% of those who apply. Ranked #67 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
Fordham is a prestigious Jesuit university with campuses in the Bronx and Lincoln Center, offering a rigorous liberal arts education in the heart of New York City.
This guide breaks down Fordham's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Fordham University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 46%
- SAT range
- 1230–1400
- Average GPA
- 3.65
- In-state
- $61,527
- Out-of-state
- $61,527
- Enrollment
- 9,904
- Type
- Private
- Location
- New York, New York
How hard is it to get into Fordham University?
With 46% of applicants admitted, Fordham is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, Fordham is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Fordham typically score between 1230 and 1400 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1230 and a quarter above 1400. A score at or above 1400 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.65 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1315 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.65. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1230) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Fordham Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 1
Fordham offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 1.
Notable programs at Fordham University
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Law — a strong pre-professional and graduate strength for this institution.
- Communications — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Psychology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Political Science — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
Fordham is particularly known for Business, Law, Communications, Psychology, and Political Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Fordham University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Fordham charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $61,527 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
What are your chances at Fordham University?
Get a free AI-powered admission probability based on your GPA, test scores, and profile — plus essay feedback and a school strategy.
Calculate my chances free →No credit card. Official site: www.fordham.edu
Fordham University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Fordham University?
- Fordham University has an acceptance rate of 46%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, Fordham is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for Fordham University?
- Admitted students at Fordham University typically score between 1230 and 1400 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1400 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1230 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Fordham University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Fordham University is approximately 3.65 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.65 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Fordham University?
- Fordham University's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Fordham University a public or private university?
- Fordham University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Fordham University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Fordham charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $61,527 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.