Manhattan College admits 78.5% of applicants, making admission accessible for most qualified students. This acceptance rate means roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission, placing Manhattan College in the Open Access category for selectivity. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates Manhattan College admits students at a slightly higher rate than typical institutions in its comparison group, with an 7.9 percentage point difference favoring applicants. This accessible admission profile means students with solid academic credentials have strong chances of acceptance. However, admitted students demonstrate strong academic preparation, with SAT scores ranging from 1150-1340 and ranking at the 96th percentile nationally. Students should approach Manhattan College as a realistic option rather than a reach school, particularly those with academic profiles matching or exceeding the middle 50% ranges. The combination of accessible admission with strong student academic preparation suggests the college attracts motivated students who could succeed at more selective institutions but value Manhattan College's specific program strengths and outcomes. For college list building, students should view Manhattan College as a strong match school that offers excellent career preparation without the admission uncertainty of highly selective institutions.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Manhattan College demonstrate strong academic preparation across standardized testing measures. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1150 at the 25th percentile to 1340 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 1254. Math scores span 580-670, while verbal scores range 570-670, showing balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 22-31, providing alternative pathways for students who perform better on that examination format. These test score ranges rank at the 96th percentile nationally, indicating Manhattan College enrolls academically competitive students despite accessible admission rates. The SAT range places most enrolled students within the top 15-25% of all test-takers nationally, demonstrating that accessibility does not compromise academic quality. Compared to peer institutions, Manhattan College's median SAT score of 1254 sits just 2 points below the peer median of 1256, indicating similar academic expectations across the comparison group. Students scoring within the 1150-1340 range should feel academically competitive for admission and success. Those scoring below 1150 face greater challenges but are not automatically excluded, as 25% of enrolled students score in this range. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with institutional expectations and whether they would thrive in an environment where most peers demonstrate strong academic preparation.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Manhattan College enrolls a moderately diverse student body with representation from various economic and educational backgrounds. The college serves 31.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families eligible for federal grant aid. First-generation college students comprise 25.4% of enrollment, demonstrating the college's role in expanding higher education access for families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 19.0% of the student body, providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions to complete their degrees. This composition suggests Manhattan College prioritizes some level of access while maintaining academic standards, creating a student environment where both traditional and non-traditional students pursue their education together. The Pell share places Manhattan College above many private institutions in serving lower-income students, though below the national average for all four-year colleges. First-generation students should find community among the quarter of students who share their background, while transfer students will encounter established support systems given the substantial transfer population. Students from various economic backgrounds will find peers with similar experiences, creating opportunities for both academic collaboration and social connection across different student populations.
While Manhattan College's 78.5% admission rate makes it accessible for most qualified students, those seeking similar outcomes with different admission profiles or cost structures have several alternatives to consider.
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Manhattan College demonstrates solid but mixed outcomes for student retention and degree completion. The college retains 77.5% of first-year students for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.1%, indicating somewhat lower persistence than comparable institutions. Six-year graduation rates reach 66.0%, falling below the peer median of 70.0% by 4 percentage points. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at a 67.3% rate, actually exceeding the overall graduation rate by 1.3 percentage points—an unusual and positive indicator of support for lower-income students. This reverse Pell gap suggests Manhattan College provides effective support systems that help economically disadvantaged students succeed at rates equal to or better than their more privileged peers. Students who enroll can expect reasonable chances of degree completion, with approximately two-thirds completing their programs within six years. The positive Pell gap indicates that financial background need not be a barrier to success for students who gain admission. Prospective students should weigh these completion rates when considering Manhattan College, recognizing that while success is achievable, the college may require greater personal initiative and engagement compared to institutions with higher retention and graduation rates. Students should plan to actively utilize support services and maintain strong academic engagement throughout their enrollment.
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