Accounting at Fordham University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Fordham's accounting program stands out as one of New York's strongest performers, with first-year earnings of $76,473—nearly $25,000 above the state median and topping even Syracuse and Binghamton. Among New York accounting programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, making it a top-tier option in a state with 76 competing programs. The 26% earnings growth to $96,453 by year four suggests graduates are advancing into senior roles at a healthy pace.
The debt picture is equally encouraging. At just under $24,000, graduates carry slightly less than the state average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31—meaning typical students pay off their investment in roughly four months of gross salary. This combination of strong earnings and manageable debt places Fordham among the elite accounting programs nationally, ranking in the 95th percentile. The program's location in the Bronx, with access to New York City's concentration of major accounting firms and financial institutions, likely contributes to these robust outcomes.
For families weighing the investment, this program delivers clear value. The moderate sample size means the data represents real outcomes across multiple graduating classes. While Fordham's tuition runs higher than SUNY options, the premium translates to approximately $50,000 more in lifetime earnings based on the first four-year trajectory alone. This is a strong choice for students targeting Big Four firms or corporate accounting roles in the New York metro area.
Where Fordham University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Fordham University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fordham University graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 |
| Marist University | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
| Molloy University | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Yeshiva University | $69,252 | $87,338 | $22,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $75,294 | $27,000 |
| Binghamton University Vestal | $10,363 | $74,151 | $19,500 |
| Marist University Poughkeepsie | $46,140 | $71,436 | $23,250 |
| Molloy University Rockville Centre | $37,840 | $70,344 | $27,000 |
| Yeshiva University New York | $49,900 | $69,252 | $22,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fordham University, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 62 graduates with reported earnings and 113 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.