Manhattan University: A Comprehensive Look at Rankings, Academics, and Student Experience

Manhattan University, a private Lasallian Catholic institution in New York City, provides a career-ready education rooted in academic excellence, professional preparation, and personal formation. Located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, the University combines a rigorous liberal arts foundation with real-world experience and direct access to the economic and cultural opportunities of New York City. Manhattan emphasizes experiential learning. This article delves into Manhattan University's rankings, academic programs, student life, and overall value proposition.

Rankings and Recognition

Manhattan University has consistently received recognition from various ranking organizations, highlighting its commitment to academic quality and student success.

US News & World Report

In the 2024 rankings, US News & World Report ranked Manhattan University 13th among regional colleges and universities in the North, a significant improvement from 16th in 2023.
The College's social mobility ranking also saw a substantial increase, moving from 86th to 51st among regional universities.
Among student veterans, the College ranked third, up from sixth in 2023, solidifying its reputation as a welcoming institution for those who have served in the military.
The undergraduate engineering program at Manhattan University, among institutions that do not grant doctorate degrees, was ranked 40th, up from 42nd in 2023.
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Manhattan University is ranked No. #28 in Regional Universities North.

Military Times

Manhattan University made significant strides in the Military Times 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, rising to 85th overall out of 304 schools, a substantial jump from its previous position at 218.
In the regional "Northeast & Islands" category, Manhattan University also improved, now ranking 6th, up from 27th last year.

Additional Recognition

The Princeton Review recognizes Manhattan University as one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduates and one of the best colleges overall.
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) recognized Manhattan University as a 2024 Most Engaged Campus for student voting.

Academics and Programs

Manhattan University offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs across three schools: the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, the O'Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. The curricula are designed with the students’ future in mind, incorporating hands-on learning through faculty-led research, study abroad, and international research trips.

Popular Programs

Some of the most popular academic programs include:

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Communication
Finance
Psychology

Manhattan University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts and sciences, business, engineering, education, and health-related fields. Through small class sizes, expert faculty mentors, and learning in state-of-the-art facilities, students gain hands-on, career-ready experience. For undergraduates, the Jasper Guarantee provides fixed tuition and predictable costs, delivering exceptional value and preparing students for the real world.

Read also: Manhattan College Tuition

Experiential Learning

A hallmark of the Manhattan College experience is the emphasis on experiential learning. Approximately 78 percent of students gain job-related experience through internships, research, and other opportunities.

Many Manhattan College graduates start their careers in internships in New York City at places like IBM, Morgan Stanley, the New York Mets, Turner Construction and Donna Karan.
Thanks to the College’s New York City location, students have the chance to work year-round instead of just during school breaks, giving them a huge advantage in developing career-ready skills.
Many of Manhattan’s professors use NYC as a classroom by conducting visits to sites such as Wall Street, the Museum of Natural History and the United Nations.
Students contribute to scholarship research in topics ranging from social media and anxiety to system-on-chip architecture and portable genomic sequencing.

Career Development

Manhattan College provides extensive career planning and development resources, starting in the first year.

The Mentor Program pairs students with professionals in their chosen field, providing a behind-the-scenes understanding of a specific profession.
The extensive Manhattan College alumni network provides mentorship and career opportunities for next-gen leaders.
You’ll learn from successful alumni who are members of industries from around NYC and across the country. Relationships built through this program offer a distinct advantage when it comes time to submit your résumé.

Student Life

Manhattan University offers a vibrant campus community with a variety of housing options and extracurricular activities.

Campus Environment

The University occupies a compact campus in the residential Riverdale section of the Bronx, divided into a north and south campus.

The North campus overlooks Van Cortlandt Park and features the Quad, surrounded by the campus's four main buildings: Memorial Hall, Miguel Hall, De La Salle Hall, and Thomas Hall.
The South campus houses the Higgins '62 Engineering and Science Center, connected to Leo Hall and the Research and Learning Center (RLC).

Housing

Undergraduate residential housing is guaranteed for all four years. There are a number of housing options available, including traditional residence halls, suites and apartment-style housing.

All rooms include cable TV and internet access.
Community lounges with flat-screen televisions are available.
Kitchen and dining areas, central air conditioning, laundry, and dedicated quiet study spaces are provided.

Extracurricular Activities

Manhattan University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including:

Athletics: The University fields 19 Division-I athletic teams for men and women, including basketball, golf, soccer, baseball and softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and rowing.
Performing Arts: Manhattan University has eight recognized performing arts groups.
Student Newspaper: The Quadrangle (or The Quad) is the student newspaper of Manhattan University, publishing weekly on Tuesdays during the academic year.
Pipes & Drums: The Manhattan University Pipes & Drums was established in 1981.
Pep Band: The Manhattan University Pep Band provides musical inspiration at basketball games and other events.

Value and Return on Investment

Manhattan University is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for professional success and personal growth.

Strong Return on Investment

Manhattan University consistently performs well in national return-on-investment analyses, reflecting graduates who achieve strong earnings outcomes relative to the cost of their education, particularly among private institutions in the Northeast.

Competitive Earnings Outcomes

Manhattan alumni report an average mid-career salary of approximately $152,400, placing the University among the top institutions nationally for long-term earnings potential and career advancement. With Manhattan’s alumni reporting an early career salary of $77,000, according to Payscale, the College helps pave the way for professional success.

Outcomes That Support Value

Graduates report high employment rates in their desired fields, supported by widespread participation in internships, field-based learning, and other job-related experiences that strengthen career readiness and post-graduation success.

Read also: Manhattan Beach History

Financial Aid

Sixty-five percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $28,590.

Notable Alumni

Manhattan University has a distinguished alumni network that includes leaders in various fields.

Academia: Joseph A. Alutto, executive vice president and provost of the Ohio State University.
Arts and Literature: James Patterson, Edgar Award-winning novelist.
Business: John M. Fahey, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society; Rudy Giuliani, 107th Mayor of New York City.
Law and Government: Raymond W. Kelly, former New York City Police Commissioner.

Challenges and Recent Developments

Despite its many strengths, Manhattan University has faced some challenges in recent years.

In late 2023 and early 2024, Manhattan College eliminated more than twenty major and minor programs and terminated over 25% of faculty due to persistent declining enrollment and increasing structural deficits. The faculty voted no confidence in the president after these cuts and layoffs.

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