Menlo College: 61.7% Acceptance Rate

61.7%Acceptance

$51,070Tuition

811Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$76,419Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Menlo College

Menlo College built its reputation as a small business school where students learn by doing, not just studying. With 811 students on a suburban campus in Atherton, this private college focuses heavily on entrepreneurship and getting students real work experience through internships. The school's business-first approach means most students are here to start companies, join family businesses, or climb corporate ladders in Silicon Valley companies.

The financial picture tells an interesting story. While tuition runs $51,070, the average student actually pays $27,032 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $76,419 ten years after college, which easily covers the typical debt load of $21,750. That translates to monthly loan payments around $231, making this one of the better financial deals among small private colleges. The 92.9% employment rate suggests students find jobs quickly after graduation.

The student body is 57% male and diverse, with Hispanic students making up 33% of enrollment. With 16 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA and $4.4 million in athletic scholarships available, many students balance business classes with sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 51% six-year graduation rate shows this school works better for some students than others.

Academics & Faculty

Menlo College focuses entirely on business education, making it one of the few colleges in the country dedicated solely to preparing entrepreneurs and business leaders. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide hands-on mentoring for business plans and startup ideas. However, the 51.30% six-year graduation rate shows that the intense, practical curriculum isn't for everyone. Students spend significant time on real internships with Silicon Valley companies rather than theoretical coursework. The college is known for its entrepreneurship program and strong connections to venture capital firms in the Bay Area, which explains why graduates earn a median of $76,419 within ten years despite the specialized focus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 17.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 54.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.3%
Retention Rate: 69.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $76,419

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$66,325
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$47,260
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$46,321
Marketing.	Bachelor	$42,682

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Campus Life

Menlo College sits in Atherton, one of California's wealthiest towns, about 30 miles south of San Francisco. With housing capacity for 838 students and total enrollment of 811, nearly everyone lives on campus during their first couple years. The small size means you'll recognize most faces walking between classes, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name.

The Silicon Valley location brings year-round mild weather where you'll need light jackets for winter but never heavy coats. Students spend weekends exploring nearby Stanford University's campus, hitting the beach in Santa Cruz, or taking the train into San Francisco for internships and job opportunities. The 337 student-athletes (about 42% of the student body) compete in 16 NAIA sports, making games a big social draw. With 57% male and 43% female students, the campus skews slightly toward men, typical for business-focused schools. The entrepreneurship culture means many students are working on startup ideas or side businesses between classes, taking advantage of the tech industry connections that come with the Silicon Valley address.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 838 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	1	1
Rape	1	1
Stalking	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–57°F
July Avg: 55°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 15.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Menlo College draws students who want hands-on business training close to Silicon Valley's tech scene. With 67% coming from California, the school has built a strong local reputation among families who know its business focus pays off. The student body is 57% male, reflecting the entrepreneurship and tech-oriented programs that attract more men to business schools. About 33% of students are Hispanic, showing the college serves the diverse Bay Area population. These students choose Menlo because they want practical business skills and internship connections, not theoretical academics.

Men: 57.3%
Women: 42.7%
White: 16.3%
Black: 4.3%
Hispanic: 32.6%
Asian: 6.7%
In-State Students: 66.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.4%

Location

Menlo College sits in Atherton, California, about 30 miles south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. Atherton ranks as one of the wealthiest zip codes in America, with tree-lined streets and million-dollar homes surrounding the small campus. The college draws 66.67% of its students from California, many attracted to the proximity to tech companies and startup culture. Students can intern at Facebook, Google, or countless startups within a 20-minute drive. The suburban setting offers safety and quiet study spaces, but nightlife requires a trip to nearby Palo Alto or San Francisco. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Menlo College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Atherton, California 94027-4301

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $76,419
Median Earnings (5 years): $81,997
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $231/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Menlo College?

Menlo College accepts 61.72% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private business school. The small student body of 811 students creates an intimate learning environment focused on entrepreneurship and practical business skills.

How much does Menlo College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Menlo College is $27,032, lower than the full tuition of $51,070. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,525 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay around $36,551.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Menlo College?

Menlo College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in its business-focused curriculum. The school emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and entrepreneurship programs rather than traditional lecture-heavy courses.

How much do Menlo College graduates earn?

Menlo College graduates earn a median salary of $76,419 ten years after graduation. The school's emphasis on practical business skills and entrepreneurship helps explain why 92.9% of graduates find employment despite the college's 51.30% six-year graduation rate.

Where is Menlo College located and what is campus life like?

Menlo College sits in Atherton, California, one of the wealthiest suburbs in Silicon Valley. With housing capacity for 838 students and only 811 enrolled, the campus can accommodate nearly its entire student body in this exclusive location near major tech companies.

Does Menlo College have strong athletics programs?

Menlo College fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in the NAIA's Pacific West Conference as the Oaks. The school awards $4,375,708 in athletic scholarships to its 337 student-athletes, representing a significant portion of the small student body.