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Fordham University vs St. Joseph's University-New York: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Bronx NY · vs · Private nonprofit, Brooklyn NY

The verdict

Fordham University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $177,352 in 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at St. Joseph's University-New York, on median earnings of $85,569 vs $63,905 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFordham UniversitySt. Joseph's University-New York
Net price / yr$44,338$19,035
Total net cost$177,352$76,140
Median earnings, 10 yrs$85,569$63,905
Median debt$24,300$22,000
Payback4.8 yrs4.9 yrs
20-year net return$566,828$234,760

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York?

St. Joseph's University-New York, at $19,035 a year after aid versus $44,338 — a gap of $25,303 a year, or $101,212 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York graduates earn more?

Fordham University graduates report a median $85,569 ten years after entry, $21,664 more than the $63,905 at St. Joseph's University-New York. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York?

St. Joseph's University-New York: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $24,300 at Fordham University, a difference of $2,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

82% of students finish at Fordham University, against 69% at St. Joseph's University-New York. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Fordham University vs St. Joseph's University-New York: frequently asked questions

Is Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York a better value?
Fordham University. It clears its $177,352 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 4.9 years at St. Joseph's University-New York, on median earnings of $85,569 vs $63,905 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York?
St. Joseph's University-New York: $19,035/yr net price after aid versus $44,338/yr at Fordham University — a difference of $25,303 a year, or about $101,212 over four years.
Do Fordham University or St. Joseph's University-New York graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn a median $85,569 ten years after entry, versus $63,905 at St. Joseph's University-New York — a $21,664 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.