Manhattan University is a private, Catholic university located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx in New York City. Founded in 1853 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, it is affiliated with the Lasallian educational tradition. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs through schools focused on arts and sciences, business, and engineering. Manhattan University is known for its programs in civil and mechanical engineering, business, and the liberal arts, as well as its NCAA Division I athletics teams, the Jaspers. Its urban campus provides access to professional and cultural opportunities throughout New York City, attracting students seeking a values-based education in a metropolitan setting.
With a 78.94% acceptance rate, Manhattan University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Manhattan University was founded in 1853 as the Academy of the Holy Infancy by five De La Salle Christian Brothers in Lower Manhattan. In 1863, it received a charter from the New York State Board of Regents and adopted the name Manhattan College. As enrollment grew, the institution relocated in 1922 to its current campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Originally established as a men’s college, Manhattan University began cooperative programs with the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1963 and became fully coeducational in the early 1970s. Over the decades, it expanded its academic offerings in engineering, business, and the liberal arts. In 2024, reflecting the breadth of its graduate and undergraduate programs, Manhattan College formally changed its name to Manhattan University. Today, Manhattan University continues its Lasallian Catholic educational mission in New York City.
Manhattan University has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a balance between personalized instruction and a broader classroom environment. Students can expect opportunities to engage with professors while also benefiting from diverse perspectives in class discussions.
Applying to Manhattan University involves submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores if required, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. As a private Catholic institution in New York City, Manhattan University evaluates applicants through a holistic review process that considers academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, and personal character. Prospective students can apply for undergraduate or graduate programs across arts and sciences, business, and engineering.
Manhattan University offers a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal and state aid, and student loans. Students applying to Manhattan University are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and review institutional scholarship opportunities to understand their eligibility and estimated costs.
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