Fordham v Lehigh undergrad

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:

1. Cost Comparison:

   • Fordham Gabelli with a full tuition scholarship leaves you with $30k per year in expenses.
   • Lehigh, even with a half-tuition scholarship, costs $50k annually.
   • Unless Lehigh increases your aid significantly, Fordham is the more cost-effective option by $80k over four years.

2. Location Advantage:

   • Fordham's NYC location is a major asset for networking and internships, especially in finance. Being in the financial hub allows for easier access to opportunities in wealth or risk management, as well as other finance-related fields.
   • Lehigh, while respected, is more isolated, which could make securing internships and networking more challenging.

3. Academic Reputation:

   • Lehigh is often regarded as more academically rigorous and may carry slightly more prestige in certain circles. However, for finance careers, the practical advantage of internships and networking often outweighs marginal differences in academic reputation.
   • Fordham Gabelli has been improving its reputation, particularly with its alumni network and proximity to Wall Street.

4. Career Goals:

   • If you're leaning toward wealth or risk management, the ability to intern during the academic year in NYC (Fordham) could give you a significant edge.
   • Lehigh might offer a more traditional campus experience, but it could limit your exposure to real-world finance opportunities during the school year.

Recommendation:

If Lehigh doesn't significantly increase your financial aid, Fordham Gabelli seems like the better choice. The NYC location, lower cost, and access to internships align well with your finance career aspirations. However, if you value a more traditional campus environment and can negotiate better aid from Lehigh, it might be worth reconsidering.

Sources: Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), Fordham 3+2 with Columbia or Georgetown and 300k Debt, Rutgers Business School vs Gabelli School of Business (Undergrad), Cornell CAS (Econ) Vs Fordham GBHP vs NYU Stern For Breaking Into IB, Urgent School choice- Villanova University, Fordham University, William & Mary, Boston University