Syracuse University vs Fordham University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Syracuse University and Fordham University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Syracuse University vs Fordham University at a glance
Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and Fordham University 59.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $43,336 at Syracuse University and $42,760 at Fordham University. Six-year graduation rates are 80.5% and 80.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and Fordham University 59.3%, so Syracuse University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $43,336 a year at Syracuse University and $42,760 at Fordham University; Fordham University costs $576 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $21,872 at Syracuse University and $32,069 at Fordham University.
- 80.5% of students graduate within six years at Syracuse University, against 80.9% at Fordham University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $85,054 for Syracuse University and $92,809 for Fordham University; Fordham University is $7,755 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,500 at Syracuse University and $25,000 at Fordham University.
- Syracuse University enrolls 15,477 students (midsize city) and Fordham University 10,512 (large city).
Side by side
Syracuse University and Fordham 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 | Syracuse University | Fordham University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.9% | 59.3% |
| Applicants | 39,682 | 46,275 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1440 | 1320–1480 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–32 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $43,336 | $42,760 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,429 | $67,897 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,429 | $67,897 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,852 | $85,904 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $21,872 | $32,069 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $21,339 | $30,300 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,499 | $35,706 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $33,983 | $40,101 |
| Over $110,000 | $60,127 | $51,995 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.5% | 80.9% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 88.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $85,054 | $92,809 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $244 | $284 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 15,477 | 10,512 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Syracuse, NY | Bronx, NY |
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
Syracuse University reports 83 bachelor's programs and Fordham University 52; 42 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Syracuse University vs Fordham University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Syracuse University or Fordham University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Syracuse University admits 45.9% of applicants and Fordham University admits 59.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Syracuse University 1270–1440; Fordham University 1320–1480.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Fordham University?
Fordham University has the lower average net price after grants: $43,336 a year at Syracuse University against $42,760 at Fordham University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $21,872 and $32,069. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Syracuse University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more at the median: $85,054 ten years after entry for Syracuse University and $92,809 for Fordham University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,500 and $25,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Syracuse University or Fordham University?
Fordham University does: 80.5% of Syracuse University students graduate within six years, against 80.9% at Fordham University.
How big are Syracuse University and Fordham University?
Syracuse University has 15,477 students in Syracuse, NY and Fordham University has 10,512 students in Bronx, NY.