At $26,881/yr net price, Manhattan College graduates earn $86,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $52,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,881 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,524 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $86,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$52,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,024/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,103/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,042/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,655/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,209/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $83,848 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,498 | $34,210 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $71,575 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,351 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $22,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $26,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $26,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 | $26,026 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $65,320 | $20,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.0% of students at Manhattan College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Manhattan College gives you a solid return, with median earnings ten years out sitting well above what you borrow to get there. Median debt of $26,000 is roughly what a single year of engineering earnings covers, so the math works for most graduates who finish.
Engineering is where this school pays off. Civil, electrical, and chemical engineering all land bachelor's graduates above $67,000, and Manhattan's Riverdale location puts you inside the New York metro job market where infrastructure, utilities, and construction firms hire these degrees directly. Business administration matches allied health at $67,660, giving you a non-engineering path with comparable pay. The gap between the top program (civil, $71,351) and these others is small, so your major choice among these five is more about fit than a big earnings penalty.
The main risk here is not finishing. A 66% graduation rate and 77% retention mean roughly a quarter of students leave before earning the degree, and the ROI story falls apart if you take on debt without the credential that pays it back. Electrical engineering graduates carry the lowest debt at $22,000 while earning nearly as much as civil, making it the cleanest value on the list.
Net price barely moves across income brackets. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $24,024. over $110k, you pay $29,209. That flat curve means lower-income families do not get the steep discount you might find elsewhere, so budget carefully before committing.
This school fits you if you want an engineering or business degree and plan to work in the New York region after graduating. If you are drawn to lower-earning fields not listed here, or you are uncertain about finishing a demanding program, weigh the roughly $27,000 yearly cost against that uncertainty before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manhattan College worth the cost for the ROI?
Manhattan College graduates earn $86,316 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional for the $26,881 yearly cost. The school's 66% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Manhattan College?
Civil and mechanical engineering programs at Manhattan College lead to the highest salaries, with civil engineering graduates earning around $83,848. Business administration graduates earn about $81,498, making these the strongest ROI programs.
How much student debt do Manhattan College graduates have?
Manhattan College graduates have a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable given the average starting salaries in engineering and business. However, students in lower-paying majors may struggle with debt repayment.
Does Manhattan College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Manhattan College's net price of $26,881 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. With an 82% acceptance rate, the school likely offers aid to attract students but may not be as generous as more selective institutions.