Social Sciences at Fordham University

A Fordham degree comes with a premium price tag, but the estimated returns for social sciences graduates tell a more modest story. Based on comparable programs across New York, first-year earnings around $35,600 with debt near $27,000 puts this program slightly below the national median for social sciences bachelor's degrees ($37,459). That's surprising given Fordham's selective profile—with a 56% admission rate and average SAT of 1412, students here are generally stronger academically than those at many peer institutions.

The gap between Fordham and top performers in the state is stark. NYU social sciences graduates earn nearly $50,000 in their first year, while Manhattan University hits $41,000. Even accounting for estimation uncertainty, similar programs in New York suggest Fordham isn't translating its academic reputation into outsized earning power for social sciences majors. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—you could theoretically pay off the debt in about nine months of gross income—but it's not the strong value proposition you'd expect from a nationally recognized university.

The question for your family is whether Fordham's other advantages—network, location in New York City, academic environment—justify paying comparable debt for earnings that track with the state median. If career launch is the priority, scrutinize whether this specific program delivers the employment connections and outcomes that match the investment, particularly compared to clear winners like NYU or Manhattan.