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Manhattan University

Riverdale, NY | Private Nonprofit | University

Manhattan University in Riverdale, New York (formerly Manhattan College) is not NYU (New York University). This school's acceptance rate of 78.9%, and tuition of $53,400 are listed below for reference. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Manhattan University is a private nonprofit university in Riverdale, NY. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Business Administration, Management and Operations.

Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 76.0% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 73.9%, roughly 24.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B-
Ranking
#1081 of 1,947
How We Rank Schools Higher pay after college
At a Glance
Ranking
#1081 of 1,947 (Top 55.5%)
Tuition
$53,400
Net Price
$27,256
4-Year Tuition
$213,600
Acceptance Rate
78.9%
Transfer Rate
21.5%
Student Population
2,744
Student-Faculty
15:1
Grad Rate (150% time)
63.7%
Grad Rate (8-year)
74.9%
Retention Rate
76.0%
4-Yr Earnings
$88,328
ROI
73.9%

Who is Manhattan University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students aiming for strong salaries
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Students seeking strong career outcomes
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1081 of 1,947
Top 55.5% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
44.5 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
2.23 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B
#658 of 1,947
Affordability
C+
#1,427 of 1,947
Support
B-
#1,075 of 1,947
Career Outcomes
B
#1,009 of 1,947

Manhattan University graduates 63.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 74.9% and keeps 76.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$27,281-$28,188 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Likely
63.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings). The College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 74.9%. 51.4% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Somewhat likely
53.2% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $88,328. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Manhattan University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$257,392
$64,348 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$119,548
$27,256 × 4.4 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.4 years | 4-Year Rate: 51.4% | 6-Year Rate: 63.7% | 8-Year Rate: 74.9%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 51.4% and six-year completion is 63.7%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$64,348
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$27,256
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $53,400
Books and Supplies $1,200
On-Campus Room and Board $18,800
On-Campus Other Expenses $2,100
Total On-Campus Cost $64,348

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
36.0%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 36.0% of Manhattan University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$27,281
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$23,097
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$28,454
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$26,808
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$28,188
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $27,281 to $28,188 depending on family income. Use Manhattan University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$122,764
$30K-$48K families
~$103,936
$48K-$75K families
~$128,043
$75K-$110K families
~$120,636
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,808/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,188/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
73.9%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $88,328
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $86,316
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
  • Average Student Debt $26,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.0%
  • Employment Rate 53.2%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Manhattan University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $88,328 four years after graduation — roughly 46% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.35 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Manhattan University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Manhattan University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Manhattan University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Manhattan University graduates earn $88,328 median four years after graduation, +46% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
78.9%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-680
  • SAT Math 600-678
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 25-29
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 2,744
  • Full-Time Students 95.4%
  • Part-Time Students 4.6%
  • Retention Rate 76.0%
  • Grad Rate (150% time) 63.7%
  • Grad Rate (8-year) 74.9%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1

How to Get Into Manhattan University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Manhattan University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.9%, Manhattan University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 78.9% acceptance rate, Manhattan University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1180 and 1358 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Manhattan University undergraduates. Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Marketing draw the most students.

  • Civil Engineering 12.4%
  • Mechanical Engineering 8.9%
  • Marketing 6.9%
  • Finance and Financial Management Services 6.3%
  • Communication and Media Studies 6.2%
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 4.6%
See more majors
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 4.0%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 3.8%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $130,769
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $111,699
  • 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $111,495
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Social Sciences, General $107,051
  • 5. Civil Engineering $105,202
  • 6. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,955
  • 7. Chemical Engineering $96,650
  • 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $94,770
  • 9. Mechanical Engineering $93,907
  • 10. Marketing $83,045

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $120,093
  • 2. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $104,464
  • 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $102,036
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Chemical Engineering (Master's Degree) $92,741
  • 5. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $79,540
  • 6. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $78,631
  • 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $68,890
  • 8. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $53,411

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $130,769—57% more than Marketing ($83,045). Graduate: Civil Engineering programs lead with $120,093 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Manhattan University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 75 graduates)
  • Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
  • Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
  • Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)▼
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Psychology, General
  • Computer Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Social Sciences, General
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
  • Political Science and Government
  • Sociology
  • Mathematics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Philosophy
  • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • History
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
  • Economics
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Public Health
  • International/Global Studies
Online Master's Degrees (20 programs)▼
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Construction Management
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Educational/Instructional Media Design
  • Computer Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Mathematics
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (8 programs)▼
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Educational/Instructional Media Design
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Applied Mathematics

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,744
  • Full-Time Students 95.4%
  • Part-Time Students 4.6%
  • Male Students 59.8%
  • Female Students 40.2%
  • Caucasian 41.1%
  • Asian 6.1%
  • Hispanic 33.5%
  • Black 7.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 36.0%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Manhattan University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Manhattan University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Manhattan University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
56.5%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
67.7%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
11.2 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Manhattan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Manhattan University has a diverse student body, with 41.1% identifying as White.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Manhattan University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
56.5%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
67.7%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
11.2 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Manhattan University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Manhattan University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 73.9% ROI. Ranked #1081 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $27,256 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $88,328 median earnings. With 63.7% graduating within 150% of normal time and 76.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Manhattan University's Positioning

With a B- grade and #1081 ranking, Manhattan University competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $27,256 annually, Manhattan University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,079 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The 73.9% ROI and $88,328 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,256+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Manhattan University ranks #1081 of 1947 institutions, with 677 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 63.7% graduation rate sits 1.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 76.0% first-year retention is 0.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 73.9% return on investment is 24.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $88,328 run about 46% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $27,256 is roughly $7,177 higher than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 76.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 53.2% employment rate within three years sits 15.0 points below national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $27,256 is about $7,177 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Manhattan University—a private nonprofit university in Riverdale, NY—at B- overall. It holds a #1081 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

76.0% of learners come back after year one while 63.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (74.9% within eight years). The reported ROI is 73.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $27,256 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $64,348.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $37,092 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $26,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 36.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $88,328 at the median. This is roughly 46% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

Roughly 53.2% of graduates are employed three years out.

The ROI comes in near 73.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

78.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Manhattan University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
2.23 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Manhattan University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Manhattan University Website →

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Nearby Schools

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Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, NY
B- #1102 of 1,947
Hobart William Smith Colleges
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B- #1048 of 1,947

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manhattan University's acceptance rate?

Manhattan University's acceptance rate is 78.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Manhattan University cost?

At Manhattan University, listed tuition and fees are $53,400 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,256. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Manhattan University's ranking?

Manhattan University ranks #1081 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Manhattan University's graduation rate?

At Manhattan University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 63.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 74.9%, and first-year retention is 76.0%.

What are Manhattan University's job outcomes?

Graduates of Manhattan University report median earnings of $88,328 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Manhattan University's student population?

Manhattan University enrolls about 2,744 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
  • Endowment$145.4M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate21.5%

Data Source & Methodology ▼