Syracuse University vs Fordham University: which has better ROI?
Fordham University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $177,352 in 4.8 years versus 5 years at Syracuse University, on median earnings of $85,569 vs $79,164 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Syracuse University | Fordham University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $38,793 | $44,338 |
| Total net cost | $155,172 | $177,352 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $79,164 | $85,569 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $24,300 |
| Payback | 5 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $460,908 | $566,828 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Fordham University?
Syracuse University, at $38,793 a year after aid versus $44,338 — a gap of $5,545 a year, or $22,180 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Syracuse University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates report a median $85,569 ten years after entry, $6,405 more than the $79,164 at Syracuse University. 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, Syracuse University or Fordham University?
Fordham University: its completers carry a median $24,300 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Syracuse University, a difference of $1,700. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Syracuse University, against 82% at Fordham University. 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.