Colgate vs Fordham for political science: which is better for undergrad?

For political science at the undergraduate level, Colgate has the edge academically, while Fordham has the edge for day-to-day access to internships and policy-related experiences. Colgate is especially strong if you want close faculty attention, a tight liberal arts environment, and a department where undergraduates are central to the academic experience. Fordham stands out because being in New York City makes it much easier to build term-time experience in government, nonprofits, advocacy, and legal settings.

Colgate’s biggest advantage is the liberal arts model. Political science there is taught in a setting where classes are typically discussion-heavy, professors are highly accessible, and undergrads are not competing with graduate students for attention. That matters in a field like poli sci, where strong writing, seminar participation, and faculty mentorship often shape your preparation for law school, graduate study, or fellowships more than sheer course volume.

Fordham’s clearest advantage is location. If you want to intern during the semester, attend public policy events regularly, or network with alumni working in law, city government, campaigns, or nonprofit policy, New York gives Fordham students far more immediate access. For a student who learns by doing and wants a resume with multiple practical experiences before senior year, that can be a real difference.

For support into law, government, or policy, both can work well, but in different ways. Colgate tends to offer a more intentional, relationship-driven path where recommendation letters and advising can be especially strong because faculty know students well. Fordham offers a more professionally connected ecosystem, especially for students ready to take initiative and use the city aggressively.