--- title: "Manhattan University Recognized as One of Money's Best Colleges in America for 2026 " url: "/news/money-magazine-best-colleges-2026" type: article date: 2026-08-28 updated: 2026-08-28 --- # Manhattan University Recognized as One of Money's Best Colleges in America for 2026 # Manhattan University Recognized as One of Money's Best Colleges in America for 2026 Manhattan University earns a spot on Money's Best Colleges in America 2026 list, recognized for quality education, affordability and strong career outcomes. Image ![Logo for Money Magazine Best Colleges 2026](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-08/money-magazine-3200x1800.jpg?h=f0fb51a5&itok=s7-_k5YA) **RIVERDALE, N.Y.** — Manhattan University has been named one of the Best Colleges in America for 2026 by *Money*, the personal finance media brand, in a ranking that evaluates four-year colleges and universities nationwide on the value they provide students. "We are honored to be acknowledged as part of *Money's* Best Colleges in America for 2026. This recognition further demonstrates Manhattan University's longstanding tradition of providing our students with an affordable, quality education that prepares them for successful real-world careers," said Manhattan University President Frederick Bonato, PhD. To qualify for consideration, a college needed at least 500 undergraduate students or 150 freshmen, sufficient and reliable institutional data to be analyzed, no signs of financial distress, and a graduation rate at or above the median for its institutional category — public, private, or historically Black college or university — or a graduation rate ranking in the top 25% nationally once the academic and economic profile of its student body was factored in. *Money* applied these standards to a pool of more than 2,400 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges nationwide. Only 735 schools met every requirement, and each of those was then ranked on 25 factors across three weighted categories: quality of education, affordability, and outcomes. Quality of education, weighted at 30% of a school's score, accounts for graduation rates, value-added graduation rate, outcomes for Pell Grant recipients, the academic profile and yield rate of incoming students, student-to-faculty ratio, and financial stability. Affordability, weighted at 40%, is the largest single factor and considers the net price of a degree, net price by family income bracket, average student and parent PLUS loan debt, students' ability to repay that debt, and value-added loan repayment outcomes. Outcomes, weighted at 30%, measure alumni earnings 10 years after college entry, employment outcomes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, value-added earnings, earnings adjusted for a school's mix of majors, and an economic mobility index reflecting the cost and payoff of a degree for lower- and moderate-income students. Manhattan University joins a select group of institutions nationwide included in *Money*'s 2026 rankings. The full list and complete methodology are available on *Money*'s website at . [Academics](/news?category%5B232%5D=232) ### 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).