Fordham University | Bronx

Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university located in New York City, renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and rich history. It was founded in 1841 as St. John's College by Archbishop John Hughes, becoming affiliated with the Society of Jesus shortly afterward. The university was renamed Fordham University in 1907, and it is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the northeastern United States. Fordham is also the third-oldest university in New York City, with a legacy rooted in providing both academic rigor and a commitment to serving others.

Campuses

Fordham has multiple campuses, each offering different environments and academic opportunities.

1. Rose Hill Campus (Bronx)

Location: The Rose Hill campus is situated on 85 acres in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx, bordering the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. This makes it one of the most picturesque campuses in New York City.

Campus Features: The campus is known for its Gothic-style architecture and tree-lined walkways. It offers a traditional college atmosphere, blending nature with urban access. Many students enjoy the peaceful setting while being just a short commute away from Manhattan’s cultural and professional opportunities.

Academic Focus: The Rose Hill campus is primarily home to Fordham’s undergraduate schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Gabelli School of Business, and the School of Engineering.

2. Lincoln Center Campus (Manhattan)

Location: This campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, just one block from Central Park. It's a bustling area rich with cultural experiences.

Campus Features: The Lincoln Center campus houses Fordham's professional schools, including the School of Law, the Gabelli School of Business (graduate programs), and the Graduate School of Social Service.

Academic Focus: The Lincoln Center campus allows students to immerse themselves in New York City's professional and cultural environments, providing unique opportunities for internships and networking in fields like law, business, and media.

3. Westchester Campus (West Harrison, NY)

Location: Situated in a suburban area of West Harrison, New York, the Westchester campus offers a tranquil environment for those pursuing degrees in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Academic Focus: This campus provides a more laid-back atmosphere, offering programs geared toward working professionals or those seeking a flexible education.

4. Louis Calder Center (Armonk, NY)

Location: Located 25 miles north of New York City in Armonk, New York, the Calder Center is Fordham’s biological field station, spanning 114 acres of land with a 10-acre lake.

Academic Focus: The center serves as a research facility for environmental and biological studies, offering students the chance to conduct field research in a natural setting.

5. London Centre

Location: Fordham also operates a small campus in London, offering study-abroad programs for students seeking international academic experiences in the UK.

Academic Focus: The London Centre allows students to take courses while living in one of the world's most vibrant cities, gaining insight into British culture and history.

Academics

Fordham University offers a robust academic curriculum across multiple disciplines. It is structured into undergraduate and graduate schools, each with a focus on both academic excellence and moral development.

Undergraduate Schools:

College of Arts and Sciences: Offers a broad range of programs in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics.

Gabelli School of Business: Known for its prestigious business programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration.

School of Engineering: Offers engineering programs with a focus on practical skills and research.

Graduate Schools:

School of Law: One of the most prestigious law schools in the U.S., offering JD and LLM programs.

Graduate School of Business: Provides advanced business degrees, including MBA and Executive MBA programs.

Graduate School of Social Service: Offers MSW programs, with a focus on social justice and community service.

Other graduate programs are offered in areas like education, science, and theology.

Fordham emphasizes Jesuit educational principles, focusing on values like cura personalis (care for the whole person), magis (striving for excellence), and homines pro aliis (people for others). These principles encourage students not just to excel academically but to engage in the world and work for the common good.

Campus Life

Fordham is known for its vibrant campus life, especially at the Rose Hill campus, which offers a variety of student organizations, cultural events, and recreational activities.

Cultural and Recreational Activities: Students have access to the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo, providing a balance between academic life and nature. Fordham also maintains a strong connection to the surrounding Bronx community, particularly through the nearby Belmont neighborhood, known as the "real Little Italy" of New York, where students can explore Italian restaurants and shops.

Student Organizations: There are over 150 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural clubs, athletic teams, and service organizations. Fordham also has a strong commitment to social justice, with many students participating in service projects both locally and internationally.

Athletics

Fordham’s athletic programs are competitive in NCAA Division I. The university's sports teams, known as the Rams, participate in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and soccer. The Rose Hill Gymnasium is the oldest on-campus basketball arena in the NCAA, and it serves as the home for Fordham's basketball teams.

Fordham has also recently launched initiatives to enhance the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for its athletes, helping them build their personal brands and gain financial support while competing at a high level.

Admissions and Financials

Fordham University is competitive in its admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 56%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, ensuring that students receive a personalized education. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 10,307 students.

Tuition and Financial Aid: The tuition and fees at Fordham amount to approximately $64,470 per year. However, the university offers substantial financial aid, with the average need-based aid package amounting to $45,637. This makes Fordham accessible to a wide range of students, although the cost can still be high for those without significant financial support.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Fordham has faced some controversy regarding its diversity programs. A complaint was filed alleging that certain race- and ethnicity-based scholarships violate civil rights laws. While the university has not publicly commented on the complaint, it highlights the ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Conclusion

Fordham University is a prestigious institution that offers a well-rounded education, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor, social justice, and personal growth. Its blend of historical traditions and modern-day opportunities makes it an excellent choice for students seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. Whether attending the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx or immersing oneself in the cultural hub of Lincoln Center, Fordham provides students with the tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.