Hi, I’m trying to decide between going to Fordham University or Bentley University, I intend to major in either accounting or finance, with maybe a minor in political science or economics. At Fordham, I’d be attending the Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill paying around $48,000 and would also be in the Honors Program. My older sister went to Fordham so my family really likes it and the fact that it’s only an hour away from where we live in Connecticut. I really like the Rose Hill campus but don’t see myself staying in NYC. At Bentley, I’d be paying around $27,000, and would also be in the Women’s Leadership Program and Honors Program. I really love Boston (got into NEU and BU but they’re too expensive rip) and Bentley seems like a good location, however, it does take some time there. The downside to Bentley is that it’s three hours from my home.
I really like both schools and am struggling to make a decision. Overall, I would like to go to a school that will provide good internship opportunities and can help me find a job (looking at the Big 4 accounting firms) in CT. Also having a good social/party scene and club opportunities is really important to me as I want to meet new people and make a lot of friends. Thanks
My D had the same 2 choices and chose Bentley. Its a smaller school in a great location- beautiful campus - and access to Boston is super easy - kids pool uber rides all the time… 20 minutes to downtown Cambridge. Small class sizes etc. As a girl, the social scene will probably be very active (its a 60/40 male/female ratio) - you won’t have trouble getting into frat parties, LOL. For Accounting, Bentley is probably one of the top schools in the country and you’ll have internships and amazing opportunities after graduating. Especially if you want to end up in the Boston area.
Can your parents easily afford the extra $84K over 4 years?
I’m not sure if the Coronavirus situation falls into your decision, but Bentley just came out with a great plan for the fall that offers a lot of flexibility to students.
They are adding a summer semester for 2021 at no additional tuition cost. This gives students options in the fall to:
1)come to campus (if open) - and do a reduced course load if they want (in case it ends up online later)
2) avoid the semester all together if everything is online - making it up in the summer at no added cost
3) Graduate early if they want to - using the summer semester to finish coursework.
Their Plan A - is still back to campus. But I really like these options.
My S had the same choice and went to Fordham (Gabelli) and studied accounting. He had a wonderful expereince there and is now a manager at a Big 4 firm.
That said, we were all impressed by Bentley when we visited. His decision was based on the fact that he realized he didn’t want to be at a totally business-focused school. He wanted to have peers that were studying other things and wanted the option to switch out of business (and stay at the same school) if he decided that wasn’t the right path for him. Also he also got more merit aid from Fordham than he did from Bentley so that further swayed us in that direction.
I will note that at Fordham there is a large core curriculum. For my S this wasn’t a bad thing as I think his writing and analysis skills improved and he got a very well rounded liberal arts education as a b-school student. But some students don’t like the core and it does cut down the number of electives one can take.
If you are sure that you want business I think it would be hard to justify the significant price differential to attend Fordham over Bentley – unless the $80k is not meaningful to your family.
Also keep in mind that to become a CPA you need 150 credits – a typical BS degree is 120 credits so many go on for a 1 year MS in Accounting. Ask your parents if you could use the money you save by going to Bentley towards that MS degree.
If you do well, both schools can absolutely get you where you want to go.
Congratulations on having two excellent options. Let us know where you end up.
For the money, I think I’d go for Bentley. $84k is very substantial. I think being in the Women’s program and Honors will help you find great opportunities. My son’s friend attends Bentley and has loved it. Many people would regard a three hour distance as a bare minimum to be away from home, lol. Three hours, IMO, is not any kind of game changer. Good luck.
Thank you so much for your feedback it was really helpful!!! I’ve decided to go to Fordham, but honestly, I was superrrrrr close on Bentley. Ultimately, I felt that I’d be happier far but not that far from home and will have a better shot at a job in CT cause i know that it’s easier to transfer from NY there if I decide to. My sister also went there and now attends law school at Lincoln center (I can hang out at her apartment a lot) and my cousin who I’m close to is also going to Fordham. Thank you again though for replying!!! I reallllllllly liked Bentley and I’m sure your daughter loves it there! <3
Thank you for your feedback! I chose Fordham and luckily my parents are willing to pay
I know a lot of companies in CT and NY are willing to pay for your masters so I’m willing to pay a little more in undergrad
Thank you so much! I chose Fordham! I felt more connected to it because my sister went there and is now attending the law school and my cousin will also be attending! The Gabelli School of Business also seems really great! I’m looking into accounting so thanks for your feedback that your son has had a lot of success in the field after Fordham :). Although it costs more than Bentley, my parents are really happy I’m going to Fordham cause I have more opportunity to work in NY or CT which is closer to home. Also, hopefully I can get a job that will help pay for my masters. Thanks again, looking forward to being apart of the Ramily <3
Good choice. I was going to recommend Fordham due to your possible other interests including Poli Sci and Econ. While Bentley does have a Bus-Econ program, they have no Poli Sci.
Yeah I really like their Jesuit education. Some people can get turned off that you have to take a religion class but Fordham is really cool cause you can learn about different ones which I’d like.
