--- title: "Manhattan University Named One of America's Best Colleges for Women by Newsweek" url: "/news/archive/2026/08/manhattan-university-named-one-of-americas-best-colleges-for-women-by-newsweek" type: article date: 2026-08-06 updated: 2026-08-06 --- # Manhattan University Named One of America's Best Colleges for Women by Newsweek # Manhattan University Named One of America's Best Colleges for Women by Newsweek The University is recognized in a Newsweek national ranking, honoring colleges that support gender equality in education and employment. Image ![Newsweek 2026 America’s Best Colleges for Women recognition graphic, featuring the Newsweek and Gender Fair logos.](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-08/newsweek-best-colleges-women-4x3_0.png?h=6eb229a4&itok=9dXYT0OJ) **RIVERDALE, N.Y.** — Manhattan University has been named one of America's Best Colleges for Women in 2026 by Newsweek, in partnership with Gender Fair, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality in education and the workplace. The national ranking recognizes colleges and universities across the country that have established structural elements supporting education and employment opportunities for women. The ranking is based on metrics derived from the Women's Empowerment Principles, a set of guidelines developed by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to help businesses and institutions promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Data was drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Campus Safety and Security Database, supplemented by desk research to verify data quality and account for recent institutional changes. Newsweek and Gender Fair evaluated each institution across four key areas: Leadership, Pay & Policies, Safety, and Opportunity. Leadership, which considers the visibility of women in roles such as university president and professor, accounted for 35 percent of a college's overall score. Pay & Policies, which examined pay equity and access to supportive workplace resources, made up 25 percent. Safety and Opportunity, which respectively measure campus safety data related to women and the accessibility of academic opportunity across a diverse student and faculty population, each contributed 20 percent to the final score. > "At Manhattan University, we strive to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to develop their unique strengths and pursue their ambitions. This recognition affirms our ongoing work to ensure that women, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men, have access to exceptional academic programs, meaningful mentorship, and leadership opportunities that prepare them for lives of success and purpose. This honor by Newsweek and Gender Fair reflects our Lasallian Catholic values of inclusivity and service to the common good," said Manhattan University Provost Bridget Chalk, PhD. Manhattan University joins a select group of institutions nationwide included in Newsweek's 2026 ranking, which evaluated colleges from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The full ranking and methodology are available on [Newsweek's website](https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-colleges-for-women-2026). **Media Contact:** Robert Cole Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Manhattan University [718-862-7993](tel:+17188627993) [Rankings & Recognition](/news?category%5B238%5D=238) [New York City](/news?category%5B237%5D=237) ### About Manhattan University Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit [www.manhattan.edu](https://www.manhattan.edu).