Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Manhattanville University at a Glance
Manhattanville University is a private university in Purchase, New York, United States. It was founded in 1841 and offers more than 45 undergraduate programs (majors) across arts, sciences, business, education, nursing, and related fields and more than 70 graduate and certificate programs. In Athletics, the Manhattanville Valiants compete in the DIII Skyline Conference.
1841
185 years old
$18M
$18.1 million (2024)
2,224
1,284 undergrad · 940 grad
85
100 acres
Identity
Is Manhattanville University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Manhattanville University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,832 — 9% above average — while paying $20,991/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Manhattanville University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Manhattanville University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #64 of 194 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #64 | Manhattanville University | 39 | $20,991 | $58,832 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Manhattanville University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in NY.
Best Programs at Manhattanville University
The highest-earning program at Manhattanville University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $55,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $31,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Manhattanville University earns $55,300, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $31,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,991/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $55,300 | $55,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,900 | $34,900 | $26,000 |
| Sociology | $33,800 | $33,800 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | $25,700 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,000 | $31,000 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Purchase, NY
- Student Body
- 1,362 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,991
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,832
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000