Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private · 10,512 undergrads

Admit rate: 59.3% (43,663 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1320–1480 (ACT 30–33)
Undergraduates: 10,512 (7.6% international)
Average net price: $44,338 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 82% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
Early Decision II: Jan. 3, 2027
Regular Decision: Jan. 3, 2027

Essays

Optional short response, option A (300 words)

At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities and be active citizens for positive change. Please share an experience you had that caused you to develop a new perspective, change your point of view, and/or empower you to take an action or be courageous. Your response should include examples of your personal growth (e.g., what did you learn, did your point of view change, did you develop new skills or strengths?).

Optional short response, option B (300 words)

Our motto is “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” New York City is a diverse and global city that provides Fordham students with a special kind of educational experience, full of both challenge and opportunity. What has prepared you to embrace the unique opportunity of living and learning in New York City?

Optional short response, option C (300 words)

At Fordham, we have a tradition of having our graduating seniors send a message to their younger selves. What will the future “you” tell the “you” of today about what you accomplished as a Fordham student?

Editor's notes

Treat the optional short response as required in practice, if you have a real answer. Fordham says it can't interview most applicants because the pool tops 50,000, so the writing is how they get to know you. Three hundred words is one story, not three.
Choose your campus and college on purpose. Fordham evaluates you for the campus and college you pick, and Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Gabelli are different choices. If you're applying Early Decision, remember it's binding, with a Jan. 15 deposit deadline for ED I.