Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university located in New York City, New York. Founded in 1841, it is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the northeastern United States. The university comprises ten colleges and schools, including the Gabelli School of Business, the School of Law, and the Graduate School of Education. Fordham offers over 60 undergraduate majors, over 70 graduate programs, and numerous doctoral and professional programs.
As a Jesuit institution, Fordham places a strong emphasis on education that is both rigorous and compassionate. The university seeks to provide a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. The Jesuit values of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and magis (the pursuit of excellence) are integral to Fordham’s academic and community life.
Fordham is known for its vibrant campus life and its commitment to student engagement. With over 200 student organizations and numerous opportunities for community service and social justice activism, the university offers a wealth of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. Fordham is also home to a thriving athletics program, with 23 Division I varsity teams and a strong tradition of athletic excellence.
Fordham’s location in the heart of New York City provides students with unparalleled access to internships, research opportunities, and cultural experiences. From Wall Street to Broadway, from world-class museums to grassroots community organizations, the city serves as an extension of the classroom and offers limitless possibilities for learning and growth. With its rich history, commitment to excellence, and vibrant community, Fordham University is an exceptional institution of higher education.

Fordham University
What about Fordham University interesting facts? Let’s take a look at these 35 interesting facts about Fordham University.
- Fordham University was founded in 1841 as St. John’s College, and was originally located in the Bronx.
- The university was renamed Fordham University in 1907 in honor of its location in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx.
- Fordham University is a private, non-profit, Catholic research university.
- The university is ranked #66 in the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities.
- Fordham has two main campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, and Lincoln Center in Manhattan.
- The university is home to 10 schools and colleges, including the Gabelli School of Business, the School of Law, and the Graduate School of Education.
- Fordham has over 16,000 students enrolled across all of its campuses.
- The university has over 1,000 full-time faculty members.
- Fordham has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.
- The university has a total of 117 undergraduate majors and minors, and 119 graduate programs.
- Fordham’s colors are maroon and white, and its mascot is the Ram.
- Fordham’s athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I, and the university is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
- The university has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, with multiple NCAA tournament appearances in basketball and other sports.
- The Fordham Rams have won 16 Atlantic 10 Conference championships.
- The university is home to the Fordham Rams Marching Band, which performs at athletic events and other university functions.
- Fordham’s Rose Hill campus is home to the Fordham Prep School, a Jesuit high school for boys.
- The university’s Lincoln Center campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, and offers students access to the cultural and business opportunities of New York City.
- Fordham has a strong commitment to social justice, with a number of programs and initiatives designed to promote equity and inclusion.
- The university has a robust study abroad program, with opportunities in over 50 countries around the world.
- Fordham is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the United States.
- The university is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual exploration.
- Fordham’s graduate programs in business, law, and education are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university is home to a number of research institutes and centers, including the Center for Ethics Education and the Center for Religion and Culture.
- Fordham has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives designed to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly practices.
- Fordham has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations and numerous opportunities for community service and social justice activism.
- The university is home to a number of student-run media outlets, including the Fordham Ram newspaper and WFUV radio.
- Fordham’s campus at Rose Hill is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and picturesque green spaces.
- The university has a strong commitment to the arts, with numerous programs and initiatives designed to promote creativity and artistic expression.
- The university’s mascot, the Ram, was chosen because it is a symbol of strength and determination.
- Fordham is one of only 24 universities in the United States that are members of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
- The university has a strong commitment to service, with numerous programs and initiatives designed to promote community engagement and social responsibility.
- The university’s motto is “sapientia et doctrina”, which translates to “wisdom and learning”. This reflects Fordham’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes both intellectual and personal growth.
- The university’s Gabelli School of Business is known for its strong focus on ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.
- Fordham has a number of international partnerships and collaborations, including with the University of Oxford and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
- Fordham has a strong alumni network, with over 185,000 alumni living around the world.
Fordham University is a prestigious Catholic research university with a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. With two main campuses located in the Bronx and Manhattan, Fordham offers students access to the cultural and business opportunities of New York City while providing a supportive and vibrant campus community. The university’s focus on liberal arts education, ethical leadership, and sustainability makes it a unique and dynamic institution of higher learning. With a distinguished faculty, a strong commitment to student success, and a robust alumni network, Fordham continues to be a leading institution of higher education that prepares its graduates to lead lives of purpose and impact.