<p>Hi everyone!
I'm an accepted student, and as far as I'm concerned, I've decided on Fordham, but my parents don't want me to go there because of how expensive it is. They really want me to go to Manhattan College because they gave me tons of scholarship money, but I don't think that MC and Fordham are really on the same level, and they don't agree with me. I'm having a hard time putting into words or finding proof to give them that shows that Fordham is worth the cost, and worth choosing over schools like Manhattan, so I was wondering if anyone on here, either fellow prospective students, or parents of Fordham students, could share why they think Fordham is/ isn't worth the financial sacrifice?</p>
<p>Fordham is stronger than Manhattan. But yes, Manhattan often gives better financial aid to draw you in. Manhattan also has a very strong engineering program.</p>
<p>Depends on where you want to end up in life and where you want to go. </p>
<p>Fordham is expensive, no doubt. Its jesuit and has fabulous opportunities for internships, grad school placement and so forth. </p>
<p>I can’t get between you and the parents on the cost however. That is a personal decision between you all.</p>
<p>^^^I agree. I do think Fordham is a better school in almost all respects-- reputation, student body, campus life etc. (unless you want a 4 year engineering degree). However, money is undeniably part of the equation for almost all students. MC is also a fine school and only you and your parents can sort out what is the best choices for you and your family.</p>
<p>The new President of Manhattan College was formerly the Dean at Fordham College at Rose Hill, and his wife teaches at Fordham in the prestigious American Catholic Studies program. So its a small world. I think very highly of him. Wonderful person. </p>
<p>Manhattan College is Christian Bros, and this is the first lay President they have had in history, I believe. </p>
<p>Its a pretty campus in the Riverdale Section of the Bronx, a somewhat toney section just off the Henry Hudson Parkway along the Hudson River. Not far from Fordham.</p>
<p>Okie, where are you from? Oklahoma? Somewhere else? </p>
<p>Fordham is a wonderful school and “going places quickly.” But the cost is a very personal matter for you all to resolve. </p>
<p>Perhaps a visit to campus in April would help? And Fr. McShane will give a very good closing argument on April 15. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Money is a big factor, but it should not be the only factor: Fordham gets kids who got accepted into UPenn, Princeton, Cornell, NorthWestern, Stanford, Columbia etc. because Fordham was more affordable, just as kids turn down Fordham as other schools offer more $ and or charge less tuition, e.g. Manhattan, Iona, Loyola, Fairfield, Seton Hall, Hofstra etc. It is really important that you visit the schools you are seriously considering before you decide. It would be a mistake to go to a school that you have not visited firsthand. With due respect to Manhattan, while a very good school, they are not on the same academic level as Fordham (I can say what sovereigndebt can’t). You really need to spend a day at each before you chose.</p>
<p>Im from connecticut actually! I’ve visited both multiple times and know I want to go to Fordham, im just having a hard time trying to convince my father that it’s worth the cost, because he and his whole side of the family went to manhattan are extremely biased :(</p>
<p>^^^^ I see. Alma Mater connections matter to parents of course, but not so much to kids. The trend today is for much more independence and a lot less legacy. It depends on what you want out of a college experience.</p>
<p>Sit down with Dad (and Mom) and put on a yellow legal pad all the things you want and what Fordham offers to meet those needs. Make it direct and simple and clear. </p>
<p>I am not going to say anything negative about Manhattan because I dont bash any school for any reason. </p>
<p>Tell your dad that Fordham had an admit rate just pinch under 40% this year and its becoming very selective and you are in a group of the highest rated SAT’s incoming class ever. A proud group. An honor. </p>
<p>Fordham is going places…up the ladder of USNWR in a big way. </p>
<p>Maybe your dad is worried that with Fordham and Manhattan playing each other in basketball every year it will cause issues. But you can tell him I know people who went to Fordham and whose parents went to Manhattan College and it all worked out just fine. A society of mutual respect.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>thank you!</p>