Fordham University

Fordham University Overview

Fordham University, situated in New York City, is a distinguished private Jesuit research institution with a rich history dating back to 1841. Named after the Bronx's Fordham neighborhood where it was initially established, Fordham stands as the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the northeastern United States and ranks as the third-oldest university in New York State.

Initially founded as St. John's College under the guidance of John Hughes, a coadjutor bishop of New York, the institution later became a Jesuit-affiliated independent school with a lay board of trustees. Though independent of the church since 1969, the legacy of Jesuit influence remains strong, with every university president from 1846 to 2022 being a Jesuit priest.

Fordham attracts a diverse student body of approximately 15,300 students from over 65 countries. It encompasses ten constituent colleges, including both undergraduate and postgraduate institutions, spanning across three campuses in southern New York State: the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan's Upper West Side, and the Westchester campus in West Harrison, New York. The university boasts a global presence with additional study centers in London, Spain, and South Africa.

The university is committed to excellence across over 60 disciplines, offering a wide array of degrees. Its athletic teams, known as the Rams, have a storied history, including victories in the Sugar Bowl, notable NFL players, and pioneering roles in televised college football and basketball games.

Fordham's notable alumni and faculty list includes prominent figures from various fields, such as President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators and representatives, cardinals of the Catholic Church, business leaders, and more. The university's academic foundation is rooted in Jesuit principles, emphasizing individual care, excellence, and service.

Fordham stands as a prestigious institution with a selective admissions process. In recent years, it has reported acceptance rates around 43%, with SAT and ACT scores in the middle 50% range and an average high school GPA of incoming freshmen at 3.64.