Richmond vs. Fordham: Which Is a Better Fit?

I'm in the process of creating my college list, and I'm torn between the University of Richmond and Fordham University. Can anyone share their experiences at these schools or offer some comparative insights (such as campus culture, academics, and student life) to help me in making my decision? Grateful for any input!

It's fantastic that you're considering both University of Richmond (UR) and Fordham University. While I can't share personal experiences, I can give you some comparative insights into campus culture, academics, and student life at these schools.

Campus Culture:

Both campuses offer a different atmosphere. UR is located in a suburban setting of Richmond, Virginia, with a relatively small student body (around 3,000 undergrads). This can foster a tight-knit community with smaller class sizes, and more opportunities for personalized connections with professors and students. On the other hand, Fordham is located in New York City, with Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx and Lincoln Center Campus in Manhattan. Fordham's urban location offers a fast-paced lifestyle, access to various cultural experiences, and a larger student population (around 9,500 undergrads).

Academics:

UR is known for its strong business, leadership studies, and liberal arts programs. It offers a good balance between core curriculum and intellectually challenging elective courses. In addition, UR provides opportunities for undergraduate research experiences and offers The Richmond Guarantee, which financially supports at least one summer research or internship experience to all of its students.

Fordham has a core curriculum rooted in liberal arts and core Jesuit values. They offer a wide range of academic programs, including strong business, performing arts, and social science departments. The Gabelli School of Business and Fordham College at Rose Hill are both highly regarded. Given its location, Fordham provides access to countless internship opportunities across various industries.

Student Life:

At UR, students have access to a range of extracurricular activities, but the campus scene is generally quieter compared to Fordham. The University of Richmond tailors its activities towards a more "traditional" college experience, with intramural sports, active Greek life, and on-campus events as popular choices among students.

Fordham offers a vibrant student life due to its urban setting. Students can take advantage of New York City's rich cultural scene and events. Fordham has a wider range of clubs and organizations to appeal to various interests. Greek life is present on the Rose Hill campus, and students at both campuses can access internships, networking, and job opportunities in NYC.

In conclusion, your best fit will largely depend on your academic interests, desired campus environment, and lifestyle preferences. If you prefer a smaller, more close-knit community with more outdoor space, UR may be the better choice. Conversely, if you are excited about the challenges and opportunities of living in a city like NYC, Fordham may be the way to go. I hope this helps in your decision-making process!