According to the study conducted by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), Fordham’s total economic impact in New York was nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2022-2023. The majority of that impact—$1.3 billion—comes from the University’s investments in research, construction, technology, salaries, and other operating expenses, the report said. That figure also includes business-to-business spending, as well as estimated household spending by Fordham employees. 

In addition, CICU estimates that Fordham students and their visitors infused the local economy with approximately $150 million through spending at local businesses during that time period. 

Fordham is also supporting thousands of New York jobs across various sectors—ranging from faculty and staff, to groundskeepers, administrators, and vendors. In 2022, it issued 7,866 W2s and paid out $313,071,000 in wages and salaries in fiscal year 2022-23, the University confirmed.

A ‘Huge Economic Engine’ 

According to Tokumbo Shobowale, Fordham’s chief financial officer, senior vice president, and treasurer, the University’s $1.5 billion impact comes as no surprise. “It was through my work as an economic development official for the City of New York that I came to appreciate the enormous financial benefit colleges and universities provide to our communities,” said Shobowale. “In short, Fordham is a huge economic engine, pumping money and talent into the surrounding economy.”

University President Tania Tetlow echoed his comments. 

“The University’s true impact is impossible to quantify, from the connections made here that may grow into a business partnership, to the highly skilled workers who lay the foundations for their careers at Fordham. But in all the ways that can be quantified, the report shows Fordham’s economic impact is significant,” Tetlow said.

CICU produces a biennial economic impact report to highlight the positive economic impact of New York’s independent colleges and universities. The organization draws its data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, and uses multipliers to extrapolate student spending estimates based on total headcount enrollment.  

According to the executive order, the tariffs are intended to pressure these countries into stopping the flow of migrants and the deadly drug fentanyl across U.S. borders. The Mexican and Canadian governments offered concessions to shore up their borders with the U.S., while China responded by imposing retaliatory tariffs and stating it would open an antitrust investigation against Google.

It remains to be seen if the Canadian and Mexican tariffs will take effect as planned. While 25% tariffs would not be the highest in American history, they would impact nearly 5% of our total GDP, which is historically unprecedented. Together with the 10% tariff on China, the affected goods encompass a wide array of necessities, including housing, fuel, cars, and food.

So, how would these tariffs impact the cost of living for Americans? Fordham economist Giacomo Santangelo offered his insight. 

Fordham Now: Do tariffs raise prices for consumers? 

Giacomo Santangelo: When businesses face elevated import costs, they typically pass these increases to consumers through increased prices for goods and services. 

This phenomenon has been observed in every sector on which tariffs have been placed, including electronics, automobiles, and everyday consumer products, since time immemorial. The recent tariffs proposed by the Trump administration are anticipated to follow this trend, potentially resulting in significant increases in the cost of living for American consumers, as stated by President Trump this past weekend.

FN: To put it in perspective, how significant are the proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods? Is that pretty steep? 

GS: The introduction of a 25% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada would have substantial implications. Such a considerable tariff would disrupt supply chains, especially in industries with heavy reliance on cross-border trade, such as automotive and manufacturing. The economic impact is likely to be felt across all three economies, with potential retaliatory measures further complicating the situation.

FN: Could the negative impacts of tariffs be offset by their benefits, like a better job market, in your opinion? 

GS: While the U.S. manufacturing sector may experience some perceived short-term gains in employment due to increased competitiveness of domestic production, the long-term benefits remain uncertain. 

Many of the Mexican and Canadian goods taxed do not have U.S. counterparts to replace them. Also, elevated production costs resulting from tariffs on imported inputs generally overshadow these temporary gains. In short, the U.S. consumers will end up paying more of a cost than U.S. industries will benefit.

FN: What do you make of the argument that the tariffs Trump imposed during his first term did not lead to drastic inflation and therefore we shouldn’t worry this time? 

GS: The tariffs under Trump’s first term were not as inflationary as these proposed tariffs because they were more limited in scope.

The current tariffs are broader and more substantial, targeting a wider range of goods and potentially having a more pronounced impact on prices. Furthermore, the economic context has evolved, with the U.S. emerging from a period of high inflation, resulting in heightened sensitivity to increases in the cost of living. Therefore, caution is warranted regarding the potential inflationary effects of these new tariffs, especially given the president’s recent comments that tariffs on the EU are forthcoming.

If you want to build a career fighting climate change, here are six “green” degrees to consider:

1. Biological Sciences

Biology is not only fundamental to understanding the impact of climate change on living systems, it’s also key to addressing the crisis. 

“Biologists are providing critical information on how climate change is affecting the crops we depend on for food, as well as the impact on endangered species and the spread of infectious diseases,” said Steve Franks, professor in the Department of Biology at Fordham. “They’re also helping to develop ways to reduce climate change by creating innovative and sustainable approaches to agriculture and many industries.”

2. Environmental Science

Environmental science majors study the science behind environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. You’ll learn to analyze ecosystems, guide conservation efforts, and conduct research that informs public policy.

Students in Fordham’s environmental science program do fieldwork alongside scientists at The Calder Center, the University’s biological field station on 113 acres of protected forest preserve in Armonk, New York.  

3. Business

You probably don’t think of environmentalism when you think of business, but the reality is the fight against climate change requires industries to develop more sustainable practices. That means business leaders need the skills to build ethical supply chains, create more environmentally friendly products, and implement corporate responsibility strategies. 

Students at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business can choose a concentration or minor in social innovation and sustainable business, preparing them to lead profitable businesses that also benefit people and the planet.

4. Urban Studies

An urban studies major focuses on the design and management of cities, opening doors to a career in city planning, environmental consulting, or community development, where you can work to create cities that are more climate resilient. 

“I believe that urban studies programs are becoming more and more important to the climate movement as they provide students with the academic foundation to understand not only how cities can contribute to climate change, but also to develop ways to ameliorate its worst impacts,” said Maria Biskup, director of Fordham’s undergraduate urban studies program.

5. International Studies

Majoring in international studies can prepare you to combat climate change on a global scale. This field equips students with an understanding of the complex dynamics between countries, cultures, economies, and the environment. 

After graduation, you could choose a humanitarian career path, or go into journalism, the public sector, education, and more—all fields that provide ample opportunities for climate work.  

Ian Muir Smith, who graduated with an international studies degree from Fordham in 2022, went on to organize a UN-endorsed youth climate conference with other Fordham alums. 

6. Political Science

A political science major prepares you to influence legislation, promote international cooperation, and lead advocacy efforts in the public and private sectors, including those focused on climate change. 

Graduates can work in government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, advocating for climate-friendly policies and helping to implement global climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.

The new exhibition is called “The Magis Sculpture Exhibition,” and it’s made possible thanks to the generosity of Fordham Trustee Kim Bepler in collaboration with Cavalier Galleries. In total, Fordham received 11 new pieces of sculpture on loan from the gallery, which has a location in Nantucket where Bepler has a home. While chatting with gallery owner Ron Cavalier one day, she learned that he was about to de-install an exhibition in Stamford, Connecticut, and that all of the sculptures would be put into storage temporarily. 

“I asked if he would be willing to bring them to our Lincoln Center campus instead, and that’s how we got started,” Bepler said. 

Fordham’s Sculpture Walk

As part of the exhibition, Fordham received three large-scale sculptures that were installed along 62nd Street: two towering male figures by Jim Rennert, called “Inner Dialogue” and “Timing,” both over 12 feet tall, as well as a 15-foot Bjørn Skaarup sculpture called “Hippo Ballerina,” an iconic two-ton hippopotamus wearing a tutu that visitors may recognize from her various appearances around town. 

The eight additional new pieces are featured on the campus’ plaza—one flight above street level and open to the public. These include four bronze female figures by American artist Jane DeDecker and Italian artist Bruno Luchessi; and four more whimsical creatures sculpted by Skaarup, a Danish artist. 

These new pieces join the ten existing sculptures on Lincoln Center’s campus, which include several pieces that highlight Fordham’s identity: A ram on the upper plaza, a nod to Fordham’s mascot that was sculpted by Harry M. Stierwalt, Jr.; the statue of St. Ignatius, which stands outside the steps to the upper level along Columbus Avenue, sculpted by Chris Vilardi; and the statue of St. Peter called “Peter the Fisherman,” on the plaza near the entrance to McKeon Hall, sculpted by Frederick Shrady. 

To showcase all of the sculptures, Fordham is creating a walking tour called “Fordham’s Sculpture Walk.” Students and members of the public are invited to participate in the free walking tour, scan the QR codes on each sculpture, and learn more about these works of art. 

Educating the Whole Person

Together with her late husband, Steve Bepler, FCRH ’64, a longtime Fordham supporter and trustee, Kim Bepler has been a dedicated and generous donor to Fordham for many years. Her prior philanthropic efforts have focused on enhancing Fordham’s STEM programs—the University established five science chairs with major gifts from her and Steve’s estate—in addition to campus beautification efforts, Fordham’s sailing program, a fund for Ukrainian students, and more. 

Bringing these sculptures to campus reflects her commitment to the arts as part of a well-rounded Jesuit education.  

“My motivation comes from my love for my late husband and his love for his Fordham education,” Bepler said. 

“Jesuit education is the education of the whole person—the soul, the inspiration, the arts …  I hope these sculptures will be inspiring, and that they’ll give people a moment to pause and reflect as they wander through campus, studying and enjoying our outdoor space.”

Birthright citizenship, a constitutional right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, is the principle that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a citizen, regardless of the citizenship of their parents. This protection is rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War in an effort to grant legal and civil rights to Black Americans. 

The executive order directs federal agencies to stop issuing citizenship documents to children born to undocumented parents or to parents in the country on temporary visas. A federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary halt to the order, calling it unconstitutional. The Trump administration has vowed to appeal, raising questions about the future of birthright citizenship in America. 

To answer some of those questions, Fordham Now consulted Jennifer Gordon, an immigration law expert and professor at Fordham Law School. Gordon shared her insights on the likely legal road ahead for the executive order.

Fordham Now: In your opinion, how likely is the Trump administration to successfully end birthright citizenship? 

Jennifer Gordon: It’s unlikely the administration will succeed. The 14th Amendment of the Constitution established birthright citizenship, and Supreme Court cases interpreting the law have upheld the right for over 125 years. The federal judge who heard the case that was brought last week to challenge the Trump action declared the president’s order “blatantly unconstitutional,” saying “I have been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear.” 

FN: The order argued that children of undocumented immigrants are not “subject to the jurisdiction of U.S. laws” and therefore the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to them. Does that hold water legally? 

JG: That interpretation of the 14th Amendment was first rejected by the Supreme Court in the Kim Wong Ark case 125 years ago, and every time the argument has been made before the Supreme Court since, it has failed. 

In practical terms, federal, state, and local governments recognize undocumented immigrants as “subject to the jurisdiction” of U.S. laws in all areas, holding them to the obligation to comply with all civil statutes and all criminal ones, illustrating that they do in fact fall within the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship protection. The only people who fall outside the 14th Amendment in this regard are the few individuals who truly are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, for example, high-ranking diplomats, who cannot even be held accountable for traffic tickets.

FN: Some critics of Trump’s order have said the only way to end birthright citizenship is through a constitutional amendment. Do you agree, and how likely do you think that is?

JG: The Supreme Court has the power to end birthright citizenship by overruling its longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment, although it seems unlikely that it would do so. 

The only other way to change birthright citizenship is through a constitutional amendment. That would require that the proposed amendment pass Congress by a two-thirds vote (not the ordinary simple majority), and then be approved by three-quarters of the states, or 38 out of 50. This cumbersome process rarely ends in the passage of an amendment; no amendment has passed since 1992.

By the start of the next school year, students would be required to disconnect from their devices during school hours, “bell to bell,” the governor said, citing Pew research that found 72% of high school teachers report cell phones are a major problem in their classrooms. Implementation would be left up to the schools, which could use the allotted funding to purchase equipment, like pouches or cubbies, and to train personnel to enforce the ban. 

New York School Cellphone Ban

New York is the latest state to push for banning phones in schools, a movement that’s gaining ground in both red and blue states. Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, and Louisiana have all put measures in place to restrict cellphone use during the school day. Proponents, including a major New York teacher’s union, say the bans not only remove a source of distraction, they also give students a much-needed break from addictive devices that can stunt their social skills, their attention spans, and their emotional well-being. 

“Our kids will finally be free of the endless distraction of social media and all the mental health pressures that come with it,” Hochul said Tuesday. 

Opposition from Parents

But not everyone is pleased. According to Elizabeth Stosich, associate professor and associate chair of the Division of Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education, some parents would prefer their kids to be a call or a text away, especially given concerns over gun violence. Teachers and administrators who create no-phone policies in a piecemeal fashion often find themselves in conflict with these parents. Stosich is in favor of the move from Albany to ban phones in schools statewide.

“Teachers don’t want to police cell phones. They want to teach kids. I think this can shift norms and expectations to be—We don’t use cellphones in schools. And it’s not just me as a teacher saying this.  It’s not just me as a principal who has to fight parents, or even as a superintendent with angry parents at my school board meetings. This is a statewide policy,” she said. 

Inside a Phone-Free Classroom

According to Xiaying “Summer” Li, a high school foreign language teacher in New York City and a Ph.D. student at the Graduate School of Education, banning phones in school has benefits. She’s had a “no phones” rule for about three years now and says it has transformed the dynamics of her classroom for the better. 

“In the beginning, students gave me lots of push-back. After two weeks, the first thing students would do was turn in their phones to me,” said Li. Rather than seeing kids texting or scrolling TikTok in class, she now sees them watching, listening, and engaging with the material. 

“That is the reason I support this policy. I believe we will see a tremendous change in academic performance and discipline,” she said. 

“These rankings reflect both the high quality of our program and Fordham’s commitment to making advanced data science education accessible,” said Yijun Zhao, the program’s director.

Fortune’s ranking methodology takes into account eight key data points, including factors like graduation rates, one-year retention rates, total program cost, acceptance rates, and the average undergraduate GPA of admitted students. 

A Rapidly Growing Field 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for data scientists is expected to grow 36% by 2033—far surpassing the 4% average growth rate for U.S. industries. Data science is also more lucrative than the average career path, with the median annual salary for data scientists reported at $108,020 in 2023. 

A master’s in data science can serve as the foundation for a variety of possible careers, including data engineer, data architect, chief information officer, and statistician. 

Fordham’s Data Science Master’s Program 

Fordham’s program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in this growing field. Students gain hands-on experience with in-demand skills, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and cloud computing. Students also have the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest, including artificial intelligence, data security, and computational finance. 

The program consists of 10 courses totaling 30 credits, designed to be completed in one to two years. Evening classes are available to accommodate working professionals. Because of the program’s STEM designation, international students can apply to extend their stay in the U.S. for an additional two years after graduation on an Optional Practical Training visa. 

In addition to its data science master’s program, Fordham offers a M.S. in data science and quantitative economics, which is the first and only program of its kind on the East Coast, as well as a dual M.A./M.S. in data science and economics. Both of these programs blend data analysis with economic theory to prepare students for careers in fields such as finance, government, healthcare, and more. 

Students have the opportunity to transition from the M.S. in Data Science program to either of these degree paths. According to Zhao, this flexibility “represents a positive gain for Fordham and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by strengthening our offerings and addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary expertise.”

Poets&Quants calculates its scores based on a weighted average of rankings from five major sources: U.S. News & World Report, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, LinkedIn, and The Princeton Review. These rankings take into account factors such as long-term career outcomes, student experience, admission statistics, starting compensation for graduates, campus environment, and professor quality.

STEM-Designated Fordham MBA Program Offers Tech Skills

The full-time MBA program is STEM-designated, helping students to develop the technical and analytical skills they’ll need to succeed in an increasingly tech-dominated economy. The program features a “Gabelli Launch Month,” a month-long pre-semester initiative where incoming students participate in workshops, networking events, and projects designed to prepare them for the academic and professional challenges ahead.

“Over the past year, we’ve focused on enhancing key aspects of the program, such as experiential learning opportunities, career outcomes, and global exposure,” said Alex Markle, the full-time MBA program’s director. “I’m proud of this momentum and excited to see how we continue to build on this success.”

Both Gabelli School MBA programs offer a Jesuit business education in the heart of New York City. Admissions are selective, with the full-time MBA enrolling approximately 60 students each year, and the EMBA enrolling cohorts of approximately 30. This small cohort size allows for more personalized attention and a closer-knit student community, faculty said. 

A Focus on Values

Francis Petit, the EMBA program’s director, says the program’s success is a product of Fordham’s Jesuit values. 

“Our goal has always been, as the Jesuit EMBA Program of New York, to offer a cura personalis approach to our students that is unique, personalized, and transformative,” said Petit. “We are very proud of our dynamic EMBA students and alumni, along with our committed faculty and staff.”

Fordham rose to number 32 for study abroad among U.S. doctoral-level institutions, according to this year’s Open Doors report on undergraduate study abroad participation. Approximately 40% of Fordham undergraduate students participate in a study abroad program.

For Joseph Rienti, director of the university’s international and study abroad programs, it’s exciting to see the participation rate begin to recover after the pandemic. Before international travel paused, around 50% of Fordham undergraduates took part in a study abroad experience. 

Global diversity is a longstanding value in Jesuit education, Rienti said, and study abroad programs help fulfill the University’s mission. 

“Study abroad broadens student perspectives and deepens their knowledge. We do that in our classrooms in New York, but there’s no better way to do that than to leave your comfort zone and learn from professors and students in another country,” Rienti said. 

A Study Abroad Option for Every Student

The wide variety of study abroad programs available to Fordham students makes it easier to participate, Rienti said. 

Fordham has major study abroad outposts in London, U.K., and Granada, Spain, and offers access to study abroad programs in over 50 countries on six continents. In the 2024-25 academic year, over 1,000 undergraduate students are studying abroad in 30 different countries.

Students can choose immersive “direct enroll” programs, where they learn alongside locals at esteemed universities across the globe, or “island programs” with classes designed to cater to American study abroad students. The university also offers short-term study abroad opportunities, typically ranging from one to four weeks, and special focus programs that integrate a central theme or academic topic, such as the 14-week theater intensive at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts, or the CNN Academy journalism intensive at University College Dublin. 

Now that federal, state, and University financial aid dollars can be applied to study abroad expenses, participation is more accessible than ever for students of all backgrounds. Students who qualify for financial aid such as a Pell grant, student loan, or tuition remission can use that aid to fund a study abroad experience. For those who do not receive financial aid, there are study abroad-specific scholarships available. 

The Open Doors Report includes data from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and the Institute of International Education.

The iconic Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan is making a stop at the Rose Hill campus Sunday, Nov. 24. This event is free and open to the community, offering holiday cheer and free photos with Santa for kids of all ages. 

Sit beside Santa on his festive throne and capture the moment in digital and print photos. You can have your photo printed as a postcard, then add a holiday message and drop it in the “Magic Mailbox” for free delivery to your family and friends. 

The event will feature a charitable merchandise store with holiday-themed apparel designed by members of the Boys & Girls Club. All proceeds will go to the organization. 

And what’s a Coca-Cola event without a beverage? Guests can enjoy complimentary Coca-Cola products to sip on while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season and get your free picture with Santa. Bring your friends, family, and your holiday spirit!

Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will be at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

For prospective students, sustainability is a significant concern. Of the nearly 8,000 high school students surveyed by The Princeton Review in 2024, 61% said their college decision would be swayed by information about the school’s commitment to the environment. “We are seeing substantive interest among college applicants in attending green colleges,” said Rob Franek, the publication’s editor-in-chief.

What Makes a ‘Green College?’

The list cited a few sustainability highlights at Fordham, including its sustainability committee and dedicated sustainability officer as well as its process for tracking and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. Fordham has made substantial investments in reducing its emissions. As of December 2023, the university had nearly 3,000 solar panels generating renewable energy. 

Fordham’s investments in updating its dining options also has an eye on sustainability. The dining halls offer plant-based options, and feature water-saving, food-waste reducing hydroponic gardens where workers snip fresh herbs for use in meals.

Fordham students can gain valuable experience in sustainable practices through internships, including one internship geared toward lowering Fordham’s carbon footprint, as well as through their coursework. Students can earn degrees in sustainable fields like environmental science, or pursue other academic paths with an environmental focus. For example, the Gabelli School of Business offers a sustainable business minor, and Fordham students can work directly with the community on environmental issues through the Center for Community Engaged Learning. 

One such opportunity came last year when the city’s Department of Transportation awarded the center a $25,000 grant to gather community input on how best to fix the Cross Bronx Expressway. Emissions from the busy roadway have long been blamed for poor health outcomes in the Bronx. Julie Gafney, the center’s director, said she envisions multiple opportunities for students to get involved with the project, from city planning to architecture to visual arts.  

Fordham also received a $50 million grant from the EPA in 2023 to partner with community groups serving people disproportionately impacted by pollution, climate change, and other environmental stressors. 

The Green Colleges List 

The Princeton Review chose the colleges on its Green Colleges List based on surveys of administrators about sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs, and student surveys about “green” campus experiences. 

As a group, the colleges on the list derived 28% of their energy from clean or renewable sources and diverted 46% of their waste from incinerators or landfills.