Fordham Administration Reacts to Drop in Ranking

Nora Malone, Editor-in-Chief

September 24, 2025

Cunniffe houses Fordham’s administrative department. (Mary Hawthorn/The Fordham Ram)

Fordham University has dropped six spots in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best National Universities ranking. Fordham is now placed at number 97 out of the 436 National Universities, dropping from their position of 91 last year.

“We are proud to continue being recognized as one of the nation’s best universities. It speaks volumes and reinforces our commitment to standing for what matters most: making lives better through education and service,” said University Spokesperson Jennifer Petra in a statement to The Fordham Ram. “While it’s disappointing to see Fordham’s ranking slide, it’s important to look at the U.S. News & World Report rankings with perspective as changes in methodology over the years have impacted how universities—particularly, private universities—fare. Fordham’s new strategic plan is focused on enhancing areas where we are most likely to move the needle on key metrics to improve our ranking, and we are resolute in securing Fordham’s standing as one of the nation’s premier institutions.”

Fordham is tied at 97 with Florida International University, Rutgers University-Camden, Texas Christian University and University of Colorado Boulder. Fordham last rose in the rankings in 2021, when the University went from 74th to 66th on the list.

According to the report, Fordham is also ranked 10th in International Business, 25th in Best Undergraduate Teaching and 77th in Best Value Schools. Additionally, the Gabelli School of Business full-time MBA program is ranked 58th in Best Business Schools.

U.S. News and World Report ranking focuses on student outcomes, academic resources and University reputation, according to their website. Student Outcomes is 52% of the calculation, broken into subcategories. The second largest section is Peer Assessment, which is weighted at 20%.

Previously, factors such as acceptance rate, alumni donations and class size were taken into account. Since the update in 2023, these are no longer included in the calculation.On its website, Fordham highlights not just its U.S. News and World Report ranking but also rankings by The Princeton Review and Poets&Quants.

About the Contributor

Nora Malone, Editor-in-Chief

Nora Malone is a junior from Brooklyn and Boston, but currently calls Washington, D.C. home. She is a medieval studies and English double major with an honors concentration in American Catholic Studies. She joined The Ram in Volume 105 as a contributing writer before becoming News Editor for Volume 106. She is honored to take up the position of Editor-in-Chief for Volume 107. When she’s not in B-52, you can find her in Collins Auditorium, the library or the Le Pain Quotidien next to Bryant Park.