A photo of the Manhattan University chapel spire. EMMANOUEL SOFILLAS / THE QUADRANGLE
Emmanouel Sofillas, Managing Editor
Manhattan University has landed at No. 28 among Regional Universities North and No. 35 in Best Value Schools, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
The recognition highlights the university’s academic reputation and student experience. But while the numbers are impressive, faculty and students say what makes the university stand out isn’t always something a ranking can measure.
Angelo Devito, a visiting assistant professor in the School of Engineering, pointed to the university’s mix of small-school connections and big-city opportunities.
“We’re a small community, and that’s part of our strength,” Devito said. “Students know their professors, and we get to know them. We also offer engineering, which is rare for a college of our size in this area. On top of that, a lot of our faculty bring years of experience from industry, so students get a taste of the real world while they’re still in the classroom.”
Devito emphasized MU’s Catholic and Lasallian traditions, which he believes give students a sense of purpose and belonging, while the location — just a train ride from Midtown — opens doors.
“The proximity to New York City is a big plus,” Devito said. “Students can go to the theater, museums, or internships. That’s not something rankings really capture.”
Students across campus expressed pride in the new recognition but agreed that the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Maria Santiago, a senior chemical engineering student, shared her experience with the university.
“Honestly, when I heard we were 28, I thought, okay, cool,” Santiago said. “But to me, it’s about how close everyone is here. I’ve had professors who stayed after class with me for hours, and classmates who’ve become family. I’ve also landed internships in the city that I probably wouldn’t have gotten at another school. That kind of support doesn’t show up on a list.”
For sophomore business major David Chen, the Best Value ranking felt personal.
“My parents were nervous about sending me to school in New York because of the cost,” Chen said. “But Manhattan worked with me on scholarships, and it’s made a huge difference. I get to study in the city without my family stressing about every day.”
Other students pointed to the campus itself. In the past few years, Manhattan University has opened the Higgins Science Center and renovated several academic buildings.
Aisha Khan, a junior majoring in communication, had a previous family member go to the university and has seen the changes firsthand over the years.
“The new science center is beautiful, even if I’m just walking through,” Khan said. “It feels like the school is investing in us. But what really makes this place special is the energy. You go from class to a play on campus, or hop on the train downtown for a concert. It’s the mix of community here and the city right outside that makes Manhattan feel unique.”
Devito said he’s proud of the rankings but believes students’ experiences tell the real story.
“Rankings can tell part of the story,” Devito said. “But what really matters is the community, the traditions, and the experiences students carry with them after they graduate.”
For Santiago, she shared about the lasting impact the university will have on her.
“At the end of the day, you don’t remember a number,” Santiago said. “You remember the people, and the professors who believed in you. That’s what I’ll take with me when I leave Manhattan.”