Fordham University combines a pious Catholic academic institution with a modern research university situated in New York City. Getting into Fordham naturally comes with some challenges, and admissions officers at this Jesuit institution have been known to turn away students with perfect grades and test scores because they don’t bring other, more elusive factors to the table. Does this mean GPA isn’t necessary in the Fordham admissions process, or should prospective Rams still maintain excellent grades in high school? Ivy Coach is here to review.

Fordham University Admissions Rate

The Fordham acceptance is the first stop in our discussion. For applicants to Fordham University’s Class of 2029, over half of those who applied earned admission: 57.26%. The year prior, for the Class of 2028, this figure was even higher: 59.29%, while for the Class of 2027, 56.28% made it through Fordham’s pearly gates. No matter how one spins it, these numbers aren’t that competitive, especially for a university of Fordham’s caliber. But that doesn’t mean you can phone it in and still earn admission.

What is a Good GPA for Getting into Fordham University?

GPA Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2028

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of Fordham’s Class of 2028, as reported in Fordham’s 2024-25 Common Data Set:

GPA	Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2028
4.0	13%
3.75-3.99	30%
3.5-3.74	30%
3.25-3.49	15%
3.0-3.24	8%
2.5-2.99	4%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

GPA Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2027

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of Fordham’s Class of 2027:

GPA	Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2027
4.0	18.5%
3.75-3.99	33.0%
3.5-3.74	27.9%
3.25-3.49	12.0%
3.0-3.24	6.1%
2.5-2.99	2.2%
2.0-2.49	0.3%

GPA Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2026

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of Fordham’s Class of 2026:

GPA	Percentage of Fordham University Class of 2026
4.0	20.0%
3.75-3.99	31.9%
3.5-3.74	30.4%
3.25-3.49	10.0%
3.0-3.24	5.5%
2.5-2.99	2.0%
2.0-2.49	0.2%

Further Context on GPAs of Fordham Students

Last year, 13% of students who enrolled in Fordham’s Class of 2028 had a 4.0 GPA, compared to 18.5% of students in Fordham’s Class of 2027. Looking back at the Class of 2026, this figure clocks in at 20%. While these data aren’t comprehensive enough to paint a complete picture, they suggest that Fordham’s academic standards have increased over the last few admissions cycles. Will the same be true of the Class of 2030?

We at Ivy Coach wouldn’t dare make such a prediction, nor would we dare suggest that GPA alone is enough to figure out a student’s odds of Fordham admission. The following admissions cycle could take many different directions.

And for that matter, without context, including the high school attended, the rigor of the student’s coursework, their extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and so much more, a GPA alone is insufficient for determining admissions odds. Sorry, parents!

Can I Get into Fordham University with a Low GPA?

Grades aren’t everything at Fordham. While it might not sound like it aligns with their pious nature, admissions officers at this private research university aren’t above admitting students with poor grades if they bring other institutionally beneficial qualities to the table. Star recruited athletes and the children of major donors, for example, are usually not held to very high academic standards.

How Ivy Coach Can Gauge Your Child’s Chances at Fordham Admission

If you’d like a fuller picture of your child’s odds of Fordham admission, Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session will give you just that. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of earning admission to Fordham University, but you’ll also come away with a game plan for optimizing their odds of admission to the best school within their reach. To learn more about Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services.