Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

FDU Metro leans career-focused, with popular majors in business, nursing, and liberal arts. The university touts its 'flexibility,' offering programs across five schools, including a Silberman College of Business and a School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. While Niche reviews note 'inconsistent experiences' across departments, standout programs include computer science and engineering, both nationally recognized. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, with many programs offering internships in nearby NYC. Class sizes are moderate, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, though introductory courses may run larger.

Life at FDU Metro is commuter-heavy but community-oriented, with the Student Union Building serving as the hub for its 50+ clubs (from anime to pre-med societies). The Office of Student Life emphasizes diversity and inclusion, reflecting the campus’s demographic mix—40% of students identify as minorities. While there’s no Greek life, social events like 'Good Knight' gatherings foster connections. Proximity to NYC allows for easy off-campus entertainment, but on-campus housing (mostly freshmen) is described as 'no-frills.' A student-run piece in Medium captures the vibe: 'supportive but scrappy, with everyone juggling work and classes.'

FDU Metro’s 40% six-year graduation rate trails national averages, but alumni outcomes are mixed. Early-career salaries hover around $45,202, with nursing and business grads earning above the median. Notably, 57.1% of degrees awarded in 2024 were at the graduate level, suggesting a strong pipeline for career advancers. The university’s NYC adjacency pays off for internships, though long-term earnings vary widely—mid-career salaries range from $56,300 to $107,100, per niche fields like tech and healthcare.

At $38,544 tuition (before aid), FDU Metro positions itself as a budget-friendly private option. The average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $16,030 after grants and scholarships, with 73% of students receiving aid. Institutional grants average $20,660, and Pell Grants cover another $6,363 for eligible students. The financial aid office ([email protected]) actively promotes merit awards, including the FDU Grant for high-achievers. One caveat: Room and board costs ($16,808) can add up for on-campus students.

FDU Metro’s unapologetic practicality is its signature. Unlike cloistered liberal arts colleges, it embraces non-traditional students—commuters, first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. undergrads, and career-changers—with flexible schedules and NYC-adjacent networking. The Silberman College of Business leverages Wall Street proximity, while nursing students clinch clinical spots in North Jersey hospitals. Yes, graduation rates are middling, but for students seeking low-stakes admissions and high ROI degrees, FDU delivers. As one Niche reviewer put it: 'No ivy-covered walls, just real people getting real jobs.'