About Manchester University
Manchester University builds its identity around the Church of the Brethren values of peace, service, and social justice. This small liberal arts college enrolls just 895 students in the quiet town of North Manchester, Indiana. The school's peace studies program and emphasis on service learning reflect its religious heritage and commitment to making positive change in the world.
Students pay an average net price of $19,268 after financial aid, making this expensive private education more affordable than the $37,090 sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $51,504 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,854. The math works reasonably well for a small liberal arts education, though the 44.80% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees.
Nearly half of all students compete in varsity athletics across 20 NCAA Division III sports, creating a campus culture where Spartans balance academics with competition. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. With 79.14% of students coming from Indiana, Manchester maintains strong regional ties while welcoming a diverse student body that includes significant numbers of first-generation college students receiving Pell Grants.
Students pay an average net price of $19,268 after financial aid, making this expensive private education more affordable than the $37,090 sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $51,504 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,854. The math works reasonably well for a small liberal arts education, though the 44.80% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees.
Nearly half of all students compete in varsity athletics across 20 NCAA Division III sports, creating a campus culture where Spartans balance academics with competition. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. With 79.14% of students coming from Indiana, Manchester maintains strong regional ties while welcoming a diverse student body that includes significant numbers of first-generation college students receiving Pell Grants.
Academics & Faculty
Manchester University offers a traditional liberal arts education rooted in the Church of Brethren's commitment to peace and service. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students by name. Only 46.44% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the school's emphasis on experiential learning that often extends time to degree. The college is particularly known for its peace studies program, one of the oldest in the nation, and strong programs in education and business. Students frequently participate in service learning projects that connect classroom theory to real-world application. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term courses, often involving travel or internships that deepen academic exploration.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.8%
- Retention Rate
- 71.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,504
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,091 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
Campus Life
Manchester's 895 students experience small-town Indiana life in North Manchester, about 90 minutes from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. With housing capacity for 790 students, nearly everyone lives on campus during their time at this Church of Brethren college. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class.
Winters require serious coats and snow boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The campus centers around Old Main, a historic brick building from the 1800s that houses administrative offices. Students gather in the Union for meals and study sessions between classes on the Four-One-Four calendar system. With 439 students participating in 20 varsity sports as Division III Spartans, athletic events draw decent crowds on weekends. The college's peace studies emphasis shows up in campus conversations and service projects. Students often volunteer in the local community or travel on spring break service trips. Greek life doesn't exist, so social activities revolve around residence halls, athletic teams, and student organizations.
Winters require serious coats and snow boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. The campus centers around Old Main, a historic brick building from the 1800s that houses administrative offices. Students gather in the Union for meals and study sessions between classes on the Four-One-Four calendar system. With 439 students participating in 20 varsity sports as Division III Spartans, athletic events draw decent crowds on weekends. The college's peace studies emphasis shows up in campus conversations and service projects. Students often volunteer in the local community or travel on spring break service trips. Greek life doesn't exist, so social activities revolve around residence halls, athletic teams, and student organizations.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 790 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1860
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–32°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Manchester draws students who value close-knit community over big university prestige. With 79% from Indiana, the school has built a strong regional reputation among families seeking affordable, faith-centered education. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the Church of Brethren tradition of serving working-class communities. The slight male majority connects to Manchester's emphasis on practical programs like business and education alongside traditional liberal arts. Students gravitate toward the peace studies focus and service learning opportunities that define campus culture. Most come seeking personal attention in a small-town setting where professors know their names.
- Men
- 52.4%
- Women
- 47.6%
- White
- 54.1%
- Black
- 7.0%
- Hispanic
- 8.7%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 79.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.7%
Location
North Manchester, Indiana sits about 35 miles west of Fort Wayne, the state's second-largest city. The town of roughly 6,000 residents provides a classic small college town atmosphere in north-central Indiana's agricultural heartland. Manchester's 895 students make up a significant portion of the local population, creating a close-knit campus community. The rural setting offers quiet streets lined with historic homes and plenty of green space, though students seeking urban amenities must drive to Fort Wayne or Indianapolis, which lies 90 miles south. The peaceful environment aligns with the university's Church of the Brethren heritage and emphasis on service learning. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Manchester University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- North Manchester, Indiana 46962
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,504
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,291
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,854
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Manchester University?
Manchester University accepts 66.39% of applicants, making it moderately selective for prospective students. This Church of the Brethren-affiliated college draws primarily from Indiana, with 79.14% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Manchester University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,268 after financial aid, less than the $37,090 sticker price. The university provides substantial support with 91.72% of students taking federal loans and institutional grants averaging $28,535.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Manchester University?
Manchester University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 895 total students enrolled. This small liberal arts environment emphasizes close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in the classroom.
What are the graduation rates at Manchester University?
Only 46.44% of students graduate within four years, and 44.80% complete their degree within six years. Despite the low graduation rates, 96.1% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $51,504 ten years after graduation.
Where is Manchester University located?
Manchester University sits in North Manchester, Indiana, a small town setting with on-campus housing for 790 students. The rural location supports the university's close-knit community atmosphere and Church of the Brethren values.
What is Manchester University known for academically?
Manchester University emphasizes peace studies and service learning as part of its Church of the Brethren heritage. The college operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system and fields 20 varsity sports in NCAA Division III competition.
