Marist vs Fordham

Marist College and Fordham University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New York, offer distinct educational experiences. Marist, a private liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, boasts a smaller student body and a more intimate learning environment, with an acceptance rate of 68%. Fordham, a private Jesuit research university with campuses in New York City and Westchester, offers a wider range of academic programs and a more diverse student body, with an acceptance rate of 48%. While Marist is known for its strong programs in business, communications, and education, Fordham excels in the liberal arts, sciences, and business. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these institutions, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Fordham University	Marist College
Overview
Location	Bronx, New York	Poughkeepsie, New York
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	88.0%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	58.3%	59.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1300 - 1480	1196 - 1360
ACT range	30 - 33	26 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	46,275	11,583
Total number of admissions given out	26,980	6,944
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,879	1,272
Yield rate	10.7%	18.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$72,559	$65,235
Average net price	$37,583	$37,868
Tuition	$54,730	$42,650
Room & board	$21,035	Room/dormitory: $10,450 Meal plan: $6,200
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $34,114	94.0% Average amount $22,531
Students receiving federal student loan	52.0% Average amount $5,280	56.0% Average amount $5,322
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $26,677	9.0% Average amount $22,293

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,904 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%	5,510 Men 42.6% Women 57.4%
Graduate students	7,082 Men 34.3% Women 65.7%	886 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	60.9%	56.2%
International students	10.2%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	4,749	3,482
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey California Mississippi Connecticut	New York New Jersey Connecticut Mississippi Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Legal Profession Computer and Information Science Education	Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	81.7%
Dropout rate	6.7%	3.9%
Transferred out	9.9%	14.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,081 Year 2: $100,690 Year 3: $124,166 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,577 Year 2: $113,850 Year 3: $121,893 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,586 Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $98,267 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,240 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $96,920 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $95,156 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,465 Year 2: $73,195 Year 3: $87,850 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,578 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $87,004 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,968 Year 2: $71,351 Year 3: $82,005 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,702 Year 2: $79,081 Year 3: $81,526 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,805 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $73,993	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,291 Year 2: $88,506 Year 3: $98,268 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,698 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $89,521 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,483 Year 2: $73,769 Year 3: $81,980 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,648 Year 2: $72,509 Year 3: $76,229 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,669 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,443 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,088 Year 2: $72,369 Year 3: $71,731 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,007 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $70,125 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,869 Year 2: $51,464 Year 3: $67,228 Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,004 Year 2: $49,344 Year 3: $62,054 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,582 Year 2: $51,829 Year 3: $55,551

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Marist College and Fordham University?

Marist College is a mid-sized, primarily undergraduate institution known for its strong technology integration and close-knit community feel. Fordham University, on the other hand, is a larger Jesuit university with a broader range of graduate programs and a more urban, research-oriented environment. Fordham offers a wider array of academic programs and boasts a more diverse student body due to its size and location.
Where are Marist College and Fordham University located, and how does location impact student life?

Marist College is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, a mid-sized city on the Hudson River, offering a more traditional college town experience. Fordham University has two main campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx and Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Rose Hill provides a more traditional campus setting, while Lincoln Center offers direct access to the cultural and professional opportunities of New York City. Fordham's urban locations provide students with unparalleled access to internships, cultural events, and diverse communities, while Marist offers a more focused and quieter environment.
How do the academic programs at Marist College and Fordham University compare?

Marist College excels in programs like Communication, Business, and Computer Science, often integrating technology into its curriculum. Fordham University offers a broader range of programs across its various schools, including strong programs in Law, Business, International Studies, and the Humanities. While both offer excellent undergraduate education, Fordham's graduate programs are more extensive and research-focused.
What is the student body size and diversity like at each institution?

Marist College has a smaller student body, typically around 5,000 undergraduate students, fostering a close-knit community. Fordham University is significantly larger, with over 16,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Fordham's larger size contributes to a more diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and geographic origin.
What is the campus culture like at Marist College versus Fordham University?

Marist College is known for its strong sense of community and active student life, with a focus on campus involvement and school spirit. Fordham University, particularly at its Rose Hill campus, also has a strong sense of community, but its urban campuses offer a more diverse range of experiences, with students often engaging in activities both on and off campus. Fordham's Jesuit tradition emphasizes service and social justice, which is reflected in its campus culture.
How do the costs of attending Marist College and Fordham University compare?

The cost of attendance at both Marist College and Fordham University is relatively similar, placing them in the higher range of private institutions. However, the actual cost can vary significantly depending on financial aid packages and scholarships. It's essential to compare the financial aid offers from both institutions to determine the most affordable option for your specific circumstances.
What are the career opportunities and alumni networks like for graduates of Marist College and Fordham University?

Marist College has strong connections with companies in the Hudson Valley and New York City, providing internship and job opportunities for its graduates, particularly in fields like business and communication. Fordham University's location in New York City provides unparalleled access to a wide range of industries, and its extensive alumni network is a valuable resource for career advancement. Fordham's alumni network is particularly strong in fields like law, finance, and media.
What are the religious affiliations of Marist College and Fordham University, and how does this impact campus life?

Marist College was founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, but it is now an independent institution. While its Catholic heritage is still present, the campus is welcoming to students of all faiths. Fordham University is a Jesuit university, and its Jesuit identity is central to its mission and values. This is reflected in its curriculum, its emphasis on service and social justice, and its commitment to educating the whole person. While Fordham is rooted in Catholicism, it welcomes students of all backgrounds and beliefs.
What are the strengths of Marist College and Fordham University?

Marist College's strengths lie in its strong sense of community, its focus on undergraduate education, its integration of technology into the curriculum, and its beautiful campus on the Hudson River. Fordham University's strengths include its location in New York City, its broad range of academic programs, its strong alumni network, its Jesuit tradition, and its commitment to research and service.
How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare between Marist College and Fordham University?

Fordham University is generally more selective than Marist College, with a lower acceptance rate. Both institutions consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Fordham places a greater emphasis on academic rigor and demonstrated leadership potential, while Marist values a well-rounded applicant with a strong commitment to campus involvement.

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