Photo of Hayden Hall. MAIZY SWIFT / THE QUADRANGLE
Maizy Swift, Production Editor & Asst. Social Media Editor
In a recent ranking by the Wall Street Journal in partnership with College Pulse and Statista, Manhattan University was ranked 73rd best college in the U.S for 2026.
The ranking was based on several factors including student outcomes, learning environment and diversity. The article ranked MU with an overall score of 78.4.
“We used statistical modeling to estimate what we would expect the median earnings of a college’s graduates to be on the basis of the exam results of its students prior to attending the college and the cost of living in the state in which the college is based,” Wall Street Journal’s article states. “We then scored the college on its performance against that estimate.”
Steve Pugliese, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at MU, gave a statement on the university’s achievement.
“Manhattan University’s placement at #73 in the Wall Street Journal‘s national rankings is a powerful testament to our growing reputation in higher education,” Pugliese wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “This recognition places the university among the top tier of institutions nationwide, affirming our commitment to academic excellence, student outcomes, and value. This ranking isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of Manhattan’s dedication to empowering students, fostering innovation, and shaping leaders. It’s a moment of pride for Manhattan University as we prepare students for the real world.”
President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., expressed how this ranking benefits the institution and its students in an article on manhattan.edu.
“The Wall Street Journal’s ranking places Manhattan University among the top universities in the country and demonstrates our exceptional student outcomes,” Bonato said in the article. “Our continued recognition underscores our track record of providing students with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed post-graduation.”
Andrew Berg, a senior finance and accounting major at MU, expressed what he thinks sets MU apart from other institutions.
“I think what really sets us apart as an institution is…our Lasallian and Catholic heritage,” Berg said. “We have that emphasis on service and a lot of clubs that I’ve seen have incorporated service activities into their extracurricular activities. I think that’s something that also really drew me as a student to Manhattan: the ability to give back in some way, shape or form to our community.”
Berg also spoke about how MU’s education has shaped him beyond just learning coursework.
“Professors, when they teach, they’re not just teaching so that you understand material, but they’re encouraging you to challenge the material and to think outside of the box and that’s something that professionals in the workforce are going to have to do constantly,” Berg said. “It’s not just about looking up a manual and finding what the answer is, but it’s about teaching you how to think so you know when you need to solve a problem and find a solution.”
Berg feels as though MU’s extensive number of clubs and vast educational programs contribute to this ranking.
“I think Manhattan being a catalyst for that and supporting students through that club engagement has really been a testament to why we’re ranked 73rd,” Berg said.