Skip to main content
100.0%Acceptance
$7,163Tuition
169Students
69%Grad Rate (6-yr)
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Manna University

Manna University serves 169 students in a tight-knit Christian community that accepts everyone who applies. The 100% acceptance rate reflects the school's open-door mission rather than academic selectivity. This small Protestant college sits in Fayetteville, a mid-size North Carolina city near Fort Bragg, giving students access to both military community connections and college town amenities.

The financial picture tells an interesting story. While tuition stays low at $7,163 for all students, the average net price jumps to $20,170 after adding room, board, and other costs. Only 34.48% of students receive financial aid, and just 2.96% get institutional grants. Graduates leave with a median debt of $13,450, translating to monthly payments around $143. For a small religious college, these numbers suggest students often pay close to full price.

The school's biggest challenge shows in its retention numbers. Only 60% of freshmen return for sophomore year, well below national averages for private colleges. However, students who stay often succeed, with 76.6% graduating in four years. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of personal attention, but the low retention rate suggests this environment doesn't click for many students initially.

Academics & Faculty

Manna University operates as a small Protestant college where students work closely with faculty in a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The school focuses on Christian education and ministry training, with programs designed to prepare students for pastoral work and religious leadership. About 77% of students graduate within four years, which is solid for a specialized religious institution. The college serves just 169 students, creating an environment where professors know each student personally. Students here typically pursue degrees in biblical studies, theology, and ministry-related fields. The intimate class sizes mean plenty of individual attention, though the 60% retention rate suggests the intense religious focus isn't right for every student who enrolls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
35.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
76.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
69.2%
Retention Rate
60.0%
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Manna University sits in Fayetteville, a military town about 60 miles south of Raleigh. With just 169 students, this feels more like a tight-knit Christian community than a typical college. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week. North Carolina's mild climate lets you wear shorts well into October, though you'll need a light jacket for winter months.

The small size creates an intimate atmosphere where missing chapel or skipping a meal gets noticed. Students often gather in dorm lounges for Bible study or impromptu discussions about theology. Weekends revolve around church activities, volunteer work in Fayetteville, or trips to Fort Liberty (the massive army base next door) for outreach. The 60% retention rate suggests some students find the environment too restrictive or struggle with the academic pace. Those who stay often form lifelong friendships. With 40% of students from North Carolina, you'll meet classmates from small towns across the state alongside others drawn to this particular brand of Protestant education.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–54°F
July Avg
71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
47.9"
Annual Snowfall
1.2"

Student Demographics

Manna University draws students from both North Carolina and beyond, with 60% coming from out of state. This Christian college attracts students seeking a faith-based education at an affordable price point. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families who want a religious education without breaking the bank. The nearly even gender split reflects the school's broad academic offerings rather than a focus on traditionally male or female fields. Students here typically value small class sizes and want their faith integrated into their college experience.
Men
48.5%
Women
51.5%
White
43.8%
Black
11.2%
Hispanic
13.6%
Asian
0.0%
In-State Students
40.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
34.5%

Location

Manna University sits in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a mid-sized city about 60 miles south of Raleigh. The area is known for its military presence, with Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) nearby, which gives the region a unique mix of military families and civilian communities. About 40% of students come from North Carolina, while the rest travel from other states to this small Protestant university. Fayetteville offers more amenities than a typical college town due to its size of about 200,000 people, but it maintains a more affordable cost of living than major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Manna University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28314-2343

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Monthly Loan Payment
$143/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Manna University?

Manna University accepts 100% of applicants who apply. This open admissions policy reflects the school's Protestant mission to provide accessible Christian higher education to students in the Fayetteville area.

How much does Manna University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Manna University is $20,170 per year. Students from families earning $30-48K pay around $16,723 annually, making this Protestant institution relatively affordable compared to most private colleges.

What are the academics like at Manna University?

Manna University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 169 total students enrolled. This intimate learning environment allows for personalized attention in a faith-based academic setting.

Does Manna University have good graduation outcomes?

About 77% of students graduate within four years, though the retention rate is 60%. The relatively high four-year graduation rate suggests students who stay complete their degrees, but the lower retention indicates some struggle with the transition to college.

Where do most students at Manna University come from?

Only 40% of students are from North Carolina, with 60% coming from out of state. The student body is 44% White, 11% Black, and 14% Hispanic, creating modest diversity for a small Protestant college.

Is financial aid common at Manna University?

Just 34% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. The low aid percentage suggests many students come from middle-class families who can afford the $7,163 tuition without significant assistance.