Is Colgate or Fordham better for finance careers?

For finance careers, Fordham usually offers the more direct path, especially if you are targeting banking or other roles that benefit from being in New York City during the school year. Its Gabelli School of Business is specifically built for business education, and Fordham students can access internships, networking events, and alumni contacts in the city much more easily while still in college. That location advantage matters a lot in finance recruiting because so much of it runs on relationships, early exposure, and being available for in-person opportunities.

Fordham makes the most sense for a student who wants a structured undergraduate business environment, plans to pursue internships during fall or spring semesters, and likes the idea of being close to firms from the start. If you are someone who wants to be surrounded by finance clubs, employer events, and a large pool of students all aiming at similar business careers, Fordham tends to line up well with that.

Colgate can still place students into finance, but it fits a different kind of student. Colgate is a liberal arts college, so the route is less pre-professional and more relationship-driven, with students often building strong writing, analytical, and communication skills that finance employers value. Its alumni network is loyal and can be very helpful, but the school’s rural location means you will not have the same day-to-day access to internships and NYC recruiting during the semester.

Colgate is a strong option for someone who wants a classic residential college experience, prefers smaller classes and a broader academic foundation, and is comfortable being more proactive about finding finance opportunities. A student who is polished, self-directed, and good at networking can absolutely reach banking from Colgate, but the path is usually less built-in than it is at Fordham.

So if your main goal is maximizing access to finance recruiting as an undergraduate, Fordham has the clearer edge. Colgate is more appealing when you want a tighter liberal arts environment first and are willing to carve out the finance path with more initiative.