Fordham MS Finance is a 30-credit, STEM-designated master's offered by the Gabelli School of Business in New York City. It is ranked #40 globally in the Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2026. Base tuition is approximately ₹65.93 lakh ($69,090), and GMAT/GRE scores are optional.
📊 Fordham MS Finance 2027 – Quick Facts
| Key Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| University | Fordham University |
| Business School | Gabelli School of Business |
| Location | Lincoln Center, New York City |
| Programme | Master of Science in Finance |
| Credits | 30 credits |
| Format | On-site and Online |
| On-site Duration | As little as 12 months |
| STEM | Yes |
| GMAT/GRE | Optional |
| 2026 FT Ranking | #40 globally |
| 2026-27 Base Tuition | ₹65.93 lakh ($69,090) |
| Application Fee | ₹14,315 ($150), unless waived |
| Employment at 3 Months | 84% – Financial Times 2026 |
| International Students | 57% – Financial Times 2026 |
Introduction
Fordham MS Finance combines specialised finance education with direct access to New York City's financial industry. The programme covers corporate finance, investments, financial markets, risk, fintech and data-driven finance.
For Indian applicants, tuition, STEM eligibility and career opportunities matter most. In this blog, we cover Fordham MS Finance ranking, curriculum, admissions, fees, deadlines, careers and overall value.
What Does the Fordham MS Finance Class Profile Look Like?

Fordham does not currently publish a detailed Fordham MS Finance class profile with average GPA, age or work experience. These numbers should not be estimated from Fordham University's wider student population.
| Programme Metric | FT 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| International Students | 57% |
| Female Students | 30% |
| Average Course Length | 16 months |
| International Work Mobility Rank | #29 |
The 57% international-student share suggests a globally mixed learning environment, which can add useful cross-cultural exposure for Indian applicants.
What Is Fordham MS Finance?
Fordham MS Finance is a 30-credit Master of Science in Finance offered by Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business. It is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want deeper finance skills without pursuing a full MBA.
The degree is available on-site at Fordham's Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan and fully online. The on-site option can be completed in as little as 12 months, while students may extend the programme to make room for an internship or other work experience.
The curriculum covers computational finance, asset management, corporate finance and risk management. Prior exposure to economics, finance, statistics and accounting can help, but Fordham says it is not necessary to apply. Some students may be assigned foundation courses depending on their background.
For Indian applicants targeting a US finance career, the on-site format is usually the more relevant choice because it combines New York access with STEM-related post-study work possibilities.
How Does Fordham MS Finance Rank in 2026?
Fordham MS Finance is ranked #40 globally in the Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2026, improving from #52 in 2024.
| Financial Times Metric | Fordham Result |
|---|---|
| Global Rank 2026 | #40 |
| Global Rank 2024 | #52 |
| Career Progress Rank | #3 |
| Employment at 3 Months | 84% |
| Aims Achieved | 77% |
| Value for Money Rank | #49 |
| Salary Today | ₹1.16 crore ($121,865) |
The #3 career progress rank is a useful signal because it reflects how alumni move forward in seniority and responsibility. The ₹1.16 crore ($121,865) "salary today" figure is not a starting salary; Financial Times reports it as a PPP-adjusted alumni salary measure.
Compare Fordham with other programmes in our Best MFin Programs guide.
What Does the Fordham MS Finance Curriculum Include?
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The Fordham MS Finance curriculum requires 30 credits and combines traditional finance with computational and technology-focused learning.
Required areas include:
- Corporate Finance Applications
- Investment Applications
- Computational Finance and AI Methods
- Financial Markets and Responsibility
- 18 credits of electives
Fordham also highlights data analytics, fintech, corporate finance, investment management, risk management and ESG. This gives students flexibility to shape the degree around different finance career paths.
Programme Structure
Full-time on-campus students begin in the fall and normally study across three semesters. Core courses come first, followed by specialised courses and electives. Students may complete their final electives in the summer or following fall to create more room for an internship.
The degree includes computational finance and AI methods, but it is not the same as a heavily mathematical quantitative-finance programme. Students focused mainly on advanced modelling, coding or quantitative trading should also compare specialised quant-finance degrees.
For broader research, see our Masters in Finance guide.
What Are the Fordham MS Finance Admission Requirements?
Fordham MS Finance applicants need a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution or an equivalent international qualification. Fordham notes that an equivalent three-year foreign degree may be accepted in some cases.
Main Application Requirements
- Online graduate application
- Academic transcripts
- Current résumé
- 500-word Gabelli admissions essay
- 350-word quantitative-readiness essay for MS Finance applicants
- GMAT or GRE optional
- Optional recommendation
- English-language test where required
- Credential evaluation for many international applicants
- Application fee of ₹14,315 ($150), unless waived
GMAT and GRE are optional, but a strong score can still help candidates who want to provide extra evidence of quantitative readiness.
English-Language Requirements
Fordham currently recommends TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, PTE 68 or Duolingo 120 when an English-language test is required. Applicants educated outside the United States generally need an official transcript evaluation, with stated exceptions for certain countries and partner institutions.
Application Process
- Create the graduate application and choose the programme format.
- Upload transcripts and your current résumé.
- Complete the main essay and quantitative-readiness essay.
- Add optional GMAT/GRE or recommendation if they strengthen your profile.
- Complete English-language and credential requirements where applicable.
- Submit before your preferred admissions round.
What Is the Fordham MS Finance Acceptance Rate?
Fordham University does not currently publish an official Fordham MS Finance acceptance rate. The university-wide undergraduate acceptance rate should therefore not be presented as the acceptance rate for this graduate programme.
Admission is holistic and considers academic performance, quantitative preparation, résumé, essays and overall programme fit. Test-optional admissions do not mean applicants can ignore quantitative readiness.
When Are Fordham MS Finance Fall 2027 Deadlines?
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 9, 2026 | December 4, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 15, 2027 | March 19, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 19, 2027 | May 14, 2027 |
| Round 4 | Rolling Admissions | Rolling Admissions |
Round 1 includes an application-fee waiver and priority scholarship consideration. Round 2 also receives priority scholarship consideration.
Round 3 is the last published deadline for international applicants requiring visa sponsorship from abroad. Indian applicants should ideally target Round 1 or Round 2 to leave more time for funding, visa preparation and accommodation.
Check Fordham's official graduate admissions deadlines before applying.
How Much Does Fordham MS Finance Cost in 2026-27?
Fordham MS Finance tuition for entrants from Fall 2023 onward is ₹2.20 lakh ($2,303) per credit for 2026-27. Since the degree requires 30 credits, base tuition is approximately ₹65.93 lakh ($69,090).
| Cost Component | Approximate INR | Official Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Credit Base Tuition | ₹65.93 lakh | $69,090 |
| New Student Enrichment Fee | ₹3.76 lakh | $3,939 |
| General Fee | ₹12,215 per term | $128 per term |
| Technology Fee | ₹23,763 per term | $249 per term |
| International Student Service Fee | ₹4,772 | $50 |
| Fall Health Insurance | ₹1.80 lakh | $1,890 |
| Spring Health Insurance | ₹3.19 lakh | $3,342 |
Check the official Fordham Gabelli tuition page before planning your final budget.
What Scholarships Are Available for Fordham MS Finance?

The programme offers merit-based scholarship opportunities for qualifying students. Earlier applicants receive stronger scholarship consideration: Round 1 gets priority consideration and an application-fee waiver, while Round 2 also receives priority scholarship consideration.
Indian applicants should still build a financing plan that works without a scholarship because awards are competitive and not guaranteed. Funding may combine savings, education loans, external scholarships and Fordham merit awards.
What Career Opportunities Does Fordham MS Finance Offer?
Fordham MS Finance prepares students for careers across banking, investments, corporate finance and risk.
- Investment banking
- Financial analysis
- Corporate finance
- Asset management
- Private equity and venture capital
- Wealth management and private banking
- Treasury
- Sales and trading
- Risk management
- Compliance
Location is one of the degree's strongest advantages. On-site students study at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, minutes from Wall Street, NYSE and NASDAQ. Fordham also highlights industry events, site visits and internships at New York-based financial firms.
Companies Hiring Fordham Graduates
Fordham lists firms that have hired graduates, including Bank of America, Barclays, EY, HSBC, J.P. Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Standard Chartered Bank and Wells Fargo Securities.
These companies are examples of employers that have hired graduates, not guaranteed placements.
Explore our Jobs After MFin guide for more career options.
What Salary Can You Expect After Fordham MS Finance?
Fordham does not currently publish a simple official starting salary for Fordham MS Finance on the main programme page. Older salary claims should therefore not be presented as official starting outcomes without a current source.
| FT Career Metric | 2026 Result |
|---|---|
| Salary Today | ₹1.16 crore ($121,865) |
| Employment at 3 Months | 84% |
| Career Progress Rank | #3 |
| Aims Achieved | 77% |
The ₹1.16 crore ($121,865) figure is not starting compensation. It is the Financial Times PPP-adjusted alumni salary measure and should be treated as a longer-term benchmark. Actual compensation will depend on role, employer, prior experience, location and work authorisation.
Is Fordham MS Finance STEM for Indian Students?
Yes. Fordham MS Finance is STEM-designated, making the on-site programme particularly relevant for Indian students planning to gain professional experience in the United States.
Fordham states that graduates of eligible STEM programmes may be able to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, subject to current US immigration rules and individual eligibility.
- STEM designation does not guarantee employment.
- STEM OPT does not guarantee permanent immigration status.
- Students must continue to meet F-1 and employment requirements.
International students completing the online degree are not eligible for an F-1 visa and cannot receive STEM OPT through online programme completion.
Is Fordham MS Finance Worth It for Indian Applicants?
Fordham MS Finance can be worth it for Indian applicants who want specialised finance education, New York City exposure and a STEM-designated US master's degree.
Its main advantages include a #40 FT global ranking, #3 career progress rank, Manhattan location, optional GMAT/GRE, a focused 30-credit curriculum and access to New York's financial ecosystem.
| Strong Fit | Weaker Fit |
|---|---|
| Want a US finance career | Want the lowest-cost MFin |
| Value STEM eligibility | Do not plan to work in the US |
| Want New York City exposure | Prefer much lower living costs |
| Want GMAT/GRE flexibility | Need guaranteed placement |
| Want specialised finance training | Want an extremely quantitative degree |
The biggest concern is cost. Base tuition is already about ₹65.93 lakh ($69,090) before additional fees and New York living expenses. The programme makes the most sense when you have a clear finance career target and intend to use the location actively for internships, networking and recruitment.
What Should Indian Applicants Check Before Applying?

- Calculate tuition, university fees and realistic New York living costs.
- Apply early if scholarship consideration matters.
- Check whether your bachelor's degree meets Fordham's equivalency requirements.
- Complete credential evaluation where required.
- Show quantitative readiness if you skip GMAT/GRE.
- Research target employers before arriving in New York.
- Plan education loans and USD-INR currency exposure.
- Understand current F-1, OPT and STEM OPT rules.
- Compare realistic post-graduation salaries with total debt.
For more comparisons, see our Masters in Finance in USA guide.
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Conclusion
Fordham MS Finance is a strong option for students seeking specialised finance training with direct access to New York City's financial market. For Indian applicants, its value comes from STEM eligibility, a focused curriculum, location and career exposure. The programme is most worthwhile when its total cost and recruiting opportunities closely match your long-term finance goals.