This year’s total of 44,343 applications, which came from all 50 states and more than 125 countries, is a 5 percent total increase from the previous year’s cycle and also represents the 25th consecutive cycle of application growth, said Associate Vice President for enrollment John W. Buckley.
International student applications in particular showed pronounced growth. Applications climbed to 4,332 from 3,690, a 17 percent increase from last year.
“In addition to the inherent strengths of the University, international students love our location in New York City,” Buckley said. “It’s a global city, and students from diverse backgrounds find it very appealing.”
Another milestone was the reintroduction of the early decision option for hopeful applicants. Students who apply in this category commit to enrolling at Fordham if they are accepted. Another early program category, early action, also allows students to apply before the regular deadline but without binding them to enroll.
Because of the success of the early action program, the Office of Admissions reinstated the early decision option for the first time in more than 15 years.
More than 19,000 students applied under the early action or early decision options, Buckley said, which marked another record for Fordham. Applications were due Nov. 1 and students were notified of acceptance decisions just prior to the winter holidays.
“We’ve built strong relationships with guidance counselors nationally and abroad. I think we do a very strong job of encouraging students to visit campus, and when they visit campus we provide them with a good experience,” Buckley said.
“Our number of visitors this year was record volume. We had lots of people coming through on tours, information sessions, and open houses, which I think is critically important as part of the college search process, because it allows students and families to have a firsthand experience [of Fordham].”
Buckley said that the admissions department is currently aiming for a total of 2,135 students to enroll in the Class of 2020.
Regular decision applications were due Jan. 1. Students will be notified of the decision by April 1.
