Fordham vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fordham University in Bronx, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fordham University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (16,150 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fordham University is located in Bronx, NY (Large City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Fordham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fordham University 14:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Fordham vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fordham or Muhlenberg College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Muhlenberg College than Fordham ($34,739 vs. $48,190).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 39.6% lower than at Fordham University ($14,548 vs. $24,090).
• Fordham University is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $2,110 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Fordham than at Muhlenberg College (about $2,110 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Fordham University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 18.2% larger than aid received by Fordham University students ($42,545 vs. $35,988).

Fordham vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fordham or Muhlenberg College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Muhlenberg College and Fordham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fordham University (1400) is 70 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Fordham students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 31) as students at Muhlenberg College (31).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fordham University 1320/1480; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fordham University 30/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fordham - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fordham Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fordham students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Fordham (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Fordham vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Fordham vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fordham and Muhlenberg College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Fordham University's (78%).
• Graduates from Fordham University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,200 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fordham University graduates have a $490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Fordham graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fordham students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.