About Minerva University
The financial picture tells an unusual story. Tuition costs $18,700 regardless of residency, lower than most private colleges. However, zero percent of students receive federal financial aid or Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes from affluent backgrounds. About 22% receive institutional grants averaging $17,735. Total attendance costs reach $33,050 including room and board. No students take federal loans, indicating families either pay upfront or rely entirely on private resources.
The school maintains remarkable student satisfaction despite its experimental model. The retention rate hits 96%, showing students adapt well to the nomadic lifestyle. Nearly 86% graduate in four years, strong for such a young institution founded in 2012. Women comprise 58% of enrollment. The student body lacks racial diversity, with less than 7% identifying as students of color.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.8%
- Retention Rate
- 95.7%
Campus Life
With only 603 students globally, Minerva feels like a tight-knit community despite being scattered across continents. The 95.71% retention rate reflects students who thrive on constant travel and cultural immersion. Weekends involve exploring local neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks rather than typical college parties. Students live in shared apartments or residence halls specific to each city, adapting to everything from London's rain to Seoul's winters to San Francisco's fog. The global rotation means you'll need both winter coats and sunscreen depending on your semester location. This lifestyle attracts independent learners comfortable with minimal structure and maximum exploration.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 615 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 2012
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–56°F
- July Avg
- 54°–66°F
- Annual Precipitation
- -54.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.5%
- Women
- 57.6%
- White
- 4.6%
- Black
- 0.0%
- Hispanic
- 0.2%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 0.0%
Location
- Address
- San Francisco, California 94103
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Minerva University?
Minerva University accepts just 1% of applicants, making it one of the most selective colleges in the world. The school attracts students seeking its unique global rotation model where classes are conducted entirely online in small seminars.
How much does Minerva University cost after financial aid?
Tuition costs $18,700 annually for all students regardless of residency status. With room and board at $13,350, the total cost reaches $33,050, though 22% of students receive institutional grants averaging $17,735.
What are classes like at Minerva University?
Students learn through online seminars with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive discussion-based learning. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills while students rotate through different global cities each semester.
Does Minerva University have good graduation rates?
About 86% of students graduate within four years and 89% complete their degrees within six years. The 96% retention rate shows students rarely transfer out despite the demanding global rotation lifestyle.
Where do students live at Minerva University?
The university houses 615 students across multiple global cities as part of its signature rotation program. Students spend each semester in a different international location while maintaining their online classroom connections.
Is Minerva University diverse?
The student body of 603 includes 58% women and draws heavily from international backgrounds. Only 5% of students identify as White, reflecting the school's global recruitment focus since its founding in 2012.
