Fordham University vs Santa Clara University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Fordham University and Santa Clara University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Fordham University vs Santa Clara University at a glance
Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and Santa Clara University 48% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $42,760 at Fordham University and $36,116 at Santa Clara University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.9% and 87.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and Santa Clara University 48%, so Santa Clara University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $42,760 a year at Fordham University and $36,116 at Santa Clara University; Santa Clara University costs $6,644 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $32,069 at Fordham University and $22,696 at Santa Clara University.
- 80.9% of students graduate within six years at Fordham University, against 87.3% at Santa Clara University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $92,809 for Fordham University and $117,193 for Santa Clara University; Santa Clara University is $24,384 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $25,000 at Fordham University and $19,500 at Santa Clara University.
- Fordham University enrolls 10,512 students (large city) and Santa Clara University 6,552 (midsize city).
Side by side
Fordham University and Santa Clara University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Fordham University | Santa Clara University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 59.3% | 48% |
| Applicants | 46,275 | 16,848 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1320–1480 | 1350–1490 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–33 | 31–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $42,760 | $36,116 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,897 | $63,513 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,897 | $63,513 |
| Cost of attendance | $85,904 | $84,261 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $32,069 | $22,696 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $30,300 | $13,570 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $35,706 | $25,352 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $40,101 | $40,238 |
| Over $110,000 | $51,995 | $63,129 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.9% | 87.3% |
| First-year retention | 88.5% | 93.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $92,809 | $117,193 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $284 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,512 | 6,552 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Bronx, NY | Santa Clara, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Fordham University reports 52 bachelor's programs and Santa Clara University 46; 32 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Fordham University vs Santa Clara University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Fordham University admits 59.3% of applicants and Santa Clara University admits 48%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Fordham University 1320–1480; Santa Clara University 1350–1490.
Which is cheaper, Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the lower average net price after grants: $42,760 a year at Fordham University against $36,116 at Santa Clara University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $32,069 and $22,696. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Fordham University or Santa Clara University graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at the median: $92,809 ten years after entry for Fordham University and $117,193 for Santa Clara University. Median federal debt at graduation is $25,000 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Fordham University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University does: 80.9% of Fordham University students graduate within six years, against 87.3% at Santa Clara University.
How big are Fordham University and Santa Clara University?
Fordham University has 10,512 students in Bronx, NY and Santa Clara University has 6,552 students in Santa Clara, CA.