
Jenkintown, PAprivate nonprofitwww.manor.edu/
Manor College is a small, nurturing liberal arts college in Jenkintown, PA, where 60% of students are first-generation college-goers. With a 95% acceptance rate and SAT/ACT-optional admissions, it prioritizes accessibility, though its 24% graduation rate signals challenges. The college offers intimate class sizes (13:1 student-faculty ratio) and a tight-knit community vibe, with nearly all students receiving financial aid.
Manor College operates on a rolling admissions basis with a strikingly high acceptance rate of 95%, making it one of the most accessible four-year colleges in Pennsylvania. The school has adopted a test-optional policy for SAT/ACT scores, accepting applicants with a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher without standardized tests. Among admitted students, GPAs skew modest: only 7% have a 3.75+ GPA, while 31% fall in the 3.25–3.49 range, and 17% report sub-2.0 GPAs. SAT scores (when submitted) typically range from 920–1100. Notably, the college requires SAT/ACT scores only for applicants under 21 (Manor’s SAT code: 2260; ACT code: 3628).
Manor offers 32 majors, primarily at the associate-degree level, with bachelor’s programs like Psychology emphasizing personal growth alongside academics. The curriculum leans practical, with associate degrees in Liberal Arts (available online) focusing on foundational skills in writing, math, and science. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, fostering close mentorship, though the 64% first-year retention rate suggests academic support gaps. Programs in Business, Health Professions, and Humanities dominate, with a vocational bent. Notably, the college lacks robust data on graduation rates in its public materials, but external sources place its six-year graduation rate at just 24%—among the lowest nationally.
Life at Manor revolves around its small, tight-knit community, with 60% of students being First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. college attendees. The campus vibe is informal and supportive, underscored by slogans like 'You Belong Here.' Student engagement leans on clubs and organizations (email [email protected] to start one), while the gym and library are noted for accessibility. A quirky past initiative—a 'cultural diversity program' in the late 1990s—had students 'in three different places at once' weekly, hinting at creative programming. Instagram posts from @manorstudentlife showcase events like game nights and fundraisers, though the college lacks Greek life or Division sports.
Manor’s 24% graduation rate (within 150% of normal time) places it in the bottom 5% of U.S. colleges, per federal data. Early-career alumni earn $34,000 on average, reflecting the school’s focus on entry-level vocational training. The college’s mobility metrics—tracking students’ income gains post-graduation—are not publicly highlighted, suggesting modest outcomes. Commencement is held annually in May, but fewer than a quarter of students reach this milestone. Retention is another challenge: just 64% of first-years return for sophomore year.
With a sticker price of $34,932, Manor offsets costs via financial aid for 94% of students, including $600,000 in annual scholarships. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests significant aid packages, though the college doesn’t publish median net prices. Aid includes full and partial tuition awards, targeting its demographic of First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and lower-income students. FAFSA support is emphasized (contact: 215-885-2360, [email protected]).
Manor’s hyper-accessible admissions (95% acceptance, Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight.) and first-gen focus make it a rare bridge to higher ed for underserved students—but its rock-bottom graduation rate reveals systemic hurdles. The college’s intimacy (13:1 classes) and vocational programs offer a pragmatic path for those who persist, while its $600K scholarship pool demonstrates commitment to affordability. For students seeking a small-scale, supportive launchpad—and who are prepared to navigate its retention challenges—Manor delivers a uniquely personal, if imperfect, college experience.