Fordham University
Fordham University Visit, Rose Hill Campus
Visit Date: September 20, 2025
Approx. Undergraduates: ~10,000
Location: New York, NY – Bronx (Rose Hill) & Manhattan (Lincoln Center)
Fordham University
1. First Impressions & Vibe
Founded in 1821, Fordham blends Gothic architecture and green quads at Rose Hill with the fast pace of Midtown Manhattan at Lincoln Center. The Jesuit tradition shapes a campus culture that balances intellectual rigor, ethics, and service with a strong sense of community.
Students and staff often refer to Fordham as part of a “Ramily”, a nod to their Ram mascot and tight-knit atmosphere. The gated campus feels secure yet connected, with easy free shuttle access between the Bronx and Manhattan.
2. Ask a Student (Real Talk)
Students describe Fordham as community-oriented, rooted in Jesuit values but open to all faiths and worldviews. About a third of students are Catholic, and everyone is welcome to participate as much or as little in religious life.
Classes average 23 students with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and no courses are taught by TAs. Many classes are seminar-style, with strong attendance expectations and close faculty involvement. Tutoring and writing centers offer free academic support, and librarians are known for helping students develop research topics.
Our tour guide emphasized Fordham’s Internship Promise, which ensures every student gains at least one internship or research experience before graduation. The atmosphere is described as close-knit, caring, and collaborative, with faculty and advisors guiding students from day one.
3. Uniquely Interesting
As “The Jesuit University of New York,” Fordham is built on a 500-year Jesuit educational tradition focused on caring for the whole person, striving for the greater good, and becoming “people for others.” The core curriculum integrates faith, critical reasoning, and ethics, including one required religious course and a flexible second elective religious course.
Students declare a major midway through sophomore year and can easily change paths if their interests shift. Fordham offers 25+ accredited degree programs, and its Honors Program is by invitation only, creating small, learning communities at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.
Research and experiential learning are central to Fordham’s mission. The Bronx Green Jobs Center supports sustainability projects, while Bloomberg terminals in the Gabelli School of Business let students practice trading with real-time data, just one second behind Wall Street.
4. Spaces You’d Love
At Rose Hill, Keating Hall and the central lawn define a classic collegiate setting, while Lincoln Center places students steps away from Broadway and major cultural institutions. The McShane Campus Center stands out as a newly renovated hub for student life.
The gym offers free fitness classes like spinning and yoga, and each residence hall includes free laundry machines. Housing is guaranteed for four years, with first-year dorms organized around integrated learning communities that connect academics and residence life.
Campus safety is visible but friendly, with 24/7 security, a student-run ambulance service, safe spaces marked by “Ram Safe” stickers in nearby businesses, and nighttime shuttle service from the subway.
5. Who Might Thrive Here?
Fordham attracts students who want a balance of tradition, purpose, and professional momentum. Service-minded learners who value reflection, community, and access to New York’s opportunities may find a strong fit here.
The environment suits students seeking smaller classes and close faculty interaction within a large urban university. With robust career preparation, including interview coaching, on-campus recruiting, and a 95% internship rate, Fordham helps students link Jesuit values to real-world goals.
Other Fordham Notes
Academic Structure
Students apply directly to either Rose Hill or Lincoln Center and then select their college (e.g., Business, Arts & Sciences).
The Gabelli School of Business emphasizes experiential learning and does not have a foreign language requirement, though other colleges do.
Study Abroad
Opportunities in London and Granada.
STEM majors may find it easiest to study abroad in the summer to stay on track.
Orientation
New students enjoy a three-day orientation that’s fun and social.
Transfers
Junior-college and other transfers are welcomed and supported.
Financial Aid
More than 95% of undergraduates receive aid.
Fordham accepts the FAFSA and CSS Profile, offering merit, need-based, and non-need-based awards.
Use the Fordham Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Admissions
Early Action: November 1 (decisions by mid-December)
Regular Decision: January 3 (decisions by mid-March)
The test-optional policy is “for real,” indefinite, and applies across all rounds.
Review is holistic, emphasizing rigor and performance.
The short response on the Common App is optional.
The “Additional Information” section can provide family or personal context.
Campus Life
About 50% of upperclass students live off campus.
All freshmen have a meal plan; roommates may be chosen or randomly matched.
Once you move off campus, on-campus housing isn’t guaranteed again.
Dining uses a meal-swipe and dining-dollars system.
It’s easy to get involved; most clubs have open membership.
Faith & Inclusion
Fordham welcomes students of all faiths and those who came to their beliefs outside religion.
Community
The “Ramily” spirit extends to service, clubs, and student life across both campuses.
