Menlo College
Acceptance rate
68.5%
2025
Peer median 68.0%
Tuition per year
$53,630
$71,866 with room and board
Peer median $13,920
Undergraduates
764
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
47.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 57.0%
Peer median 15.4%
“Peers” are all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Menlo College, located in the heart of the Silicon Valley in Atherton, California, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on business education and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1927, the college offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a supportive community, fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. The college’s motto, "The Future is Yours," encapsulates its commitment to empowering students to take charge of their educational journey and prepare for successful careers.
Menlo College boasts a diverse array of programs, with a particular strength in business administration, psychology, and liberal arts. The faculty members are experienced professionals and dedicated educators who provide personalized attention to students, enhancing the learning experience. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces, and a well-resourced library that supports a variety of academic pursuits. Beyond academics, Menlo College encourages a vibrant campus life, offering numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that promote student engagement and community building. With its prime location in Silicon Valley, students benefit from unparalleled internship and job placement opportunities, connecting them to some of the leading companies in technology and business. Overall, Menlo College provides an enriching educational experience, preparing students for the challenges of the future.
Analysis of Tuition Fees, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention
Over the past decade, tuition fees at Menlo College have seen a significant increase. Starting from $37,100 in 2014, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has risen to $51,070 by 2024, marking an increment of approximately 37.6%. This steady rise in tuition can be attributed to various factors, including inflation, increased operational costs, and a growing demand for higher education. Such increases may impact accessibility for prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
Graduation rates have exhibited a notable fluctuation over the years. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates saw a dramatic peak of 64.8% in 2018, followed by a decline to around 46.4% in 2023. This decline raises concerns about the effectiveness of student support systems and academic programs, suggesting that further investigation into the causes of student attrition might be necessary. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate has remained more stable, hovering around the mid-50% range in recent years, which may indicate that while students are taking longer to graduate, they are ultimately completing their degrees.
Retention rates have also evolved during this period, beginning at approximately 73.9% in 2013 and stabilizing around 70.9% in 2023. This slight decrease suggests that while the college retains a majority of its students, there is room for improvement. An effective retention strategy is critical, as it not only enhances the institution's reputation but also contributes to the positive outcomes and overall satisfaction of the student body.
Overall, the interplay between rising tuition fees, fluctuating graduation rates, and retention statistics underscores the need for Menlo College to evaluate its financial policies and student support services to ensure a more favorable academic environment for its students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- San Jose, about 25 mi
- Nearest international airport
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- Menlo
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Steven Weiner (President)
- Phone
- 8005563656
- City
- Atherton, California
- Address
- 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027-4301
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 68.0% · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 62.4%, women 63.0%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Menlo College
The admission trends at Menlo College over the years reveal significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment figures. In 2009, the acceptance rates for males and females were relatively high, at approximately 58% and 60% respectively, suggesting a more accessible admissions process at that time. However, this accessibility began to decline notably in the following years, particularly for male applicants, who faced a drastic reduction in their acceptance rate to just about 27% in 2010.
Interestingly, while the acceptance rates fluctuated, the total number of applicants remained substantial, with peak rejection numbers in the years 2012 and 2014, reaching over 2,500 denied applications. This trend points to a growing competitiveness in the admissions process, potentially influenced by the college's efforts to enhance its academic profile and overall ranking.
The data shows a rebound in enrollment numbers in 2020 and 2021, with the college admitting a significant number of students despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in enrollment during these years can be attributed to various factors, including the shift in higher education dynamics and the demand for flexible learning environments that many institutions have adopted.
Overall, Menlo College's admission statistics highlight the evolving landscape of college admissions, characterized by increasing competition and varying acceptance trends. As the college continues to adapt to changing educational demands, it will be interesting to observe how these trends evolve in the coming years.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Test Scores at Menlo College
Over the years, Menlo College has displayed notable trends in its admission statistics, particularly in the standard test scores. The data shows a gradual increase in the lower and upper quartile scores for both SAT reading and mathematics. For instance, the 25th percentile scores started at 410 in reading and 410 in mathematics in 2007, progressing to a solid 456 in both categories by 2023. This upward trend suggests that the college is attracting students with increasingly stronger academic backgrounds, which could be indicative of its growing reputation.
On the other hand, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has seen fluctuations throughout the years. Starting from 76% in 2007 and peaking at 87% in 2014, the submission rates have since decreased significantly to around 51% since 2019. This decline may reflect broader trends in college admissions, where more institutions are moving towards test-optional policies, thereby allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.
Moreover, the number of students submitting their scores has decreased over time, from 166 in 2007 to just 80 in recent years. This decline raises questions about the changing dynamics in college admissions and whether future applicants prioritize other aspects of their applications beyond standardized test scores.
In summary, while Menlo College appears to be elevating the academic caliber of its incoming classes through improved test scores, the decreasing reliance on standardized tests signifies a shift in admission strategies that may reflect wider educational trends in the United States.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 7 in 10
4,637 applicants in 2025, 68.5% admitted
3,175 admitted 1,462 not admitted Yield 5.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Information Technology · Master's17 (35% international)
- Performance and Sport Psychology · Master's7 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Menlo College 2023
The graduation data from Menlo College in 2023 presents interesting insights into the trends in higher education, particularly in business-related fields. Among the various degrees awarded, the bachelor’s degree in Marketing stands out with 46 graduates, marking it as the most popular program. This popularity can be attributed to the growing demand for marketing professionals in a digitized economy, where businesses increasingly rely on effective marketing strategies to reach their target audiences.
International students also play a significant role in the diversity of the student body, as evidenced by the 15% (7 out of 46) of international graduates in Marketing. This indicates that Menlo College is attracting a global student population, which enriches the learning environment. The presence of international students is crucial, especially in business programs, as it prepares all students for a globalized workforce.
It is notable that several programs, such as Information Technology, Business Analytics, and Performance and Sport Psychology, reported no graduates for the bachelor’s level, which may reflect either a lack of enrollment or a shift in student interest toward more traditional business programs. The absence of master's and doctorate graduates across all fields suggests a potential area for growth in advanced programs, especially as industries increasingly value higher qualifications.
As the job market evolves, educational institutions like Menlo College must adapt their offerings to meet the needs of students and employers alike. Emphasizing innovative and interdisciplinary programs could attract more graduates and better equip them for the challenges of the future workforce.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $51,035 | ||
| Accounting. | $83,837 | ||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | ||
| Finance, General. | $71,822 | ||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | - | ||
| International Business/Trade/Commerce. | - | ||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $56,181 | ||
| Real Estate. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $34,601 | ||
| Performance and Sport Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | ||
| Business Analytics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
Students
810 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 57:43 · Freshman retention 69.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 527
- First-year undergraduates 165
- Graduate students 46
- Transfers and others 72
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (764)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Composition at Menlo College in 2023
The student demographic data from Menlo College for the year 2023 reveals several interesting trends regarding the composition of its student body. Among undergraduate freshmen, there is a near gender balance with 49.3% male and 50.7% female students, indicating a welcoming environment for new students of all genders. However, as we look at the upperclassmen, the male representation increases to 57.6%, while females constitute 42.4%. This shift may suggest varying levels of retention or interest in the fields of study pursued by the different genders as students advance in their academic careers.
Transfer students present a more pronounced gender disparity, with males making up 65.7% and females only 34.3%. This could indicate that male students are more likely to switch institutions or that there are systemic factors influencing the decisions of female students to transfer.
The data also includes a small number of non-degree students, predominantly female, suggesting that there is a segment of the population pursuing education without the conventional drive for a degree. This could be reflective of a broader trend in higher education, where adults seek continuing education opportunities rather than traditional degree paths.
Overall, while the college appears to be fostering gender inclusion among new students, the increasing male dominance in upperclassmen and transfer categories raises questions about long-term retention and support for female students. It underscores the need for institutions to investigate and address potential barriers that might disproportionately affect female students as they progress through their academic journeys.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Menlo College in 2023
The age composition data of Menlo College reveals some interesting insights about its student demographics for 2023. The majority of the undergraduate male students, totaling 129, and female students, totaling 107, fall within the 18-19 age bracket. This suggests that Menlo College attracts a youthful population, likely comprising first-time college attendees fresh from high school.
As we progress through the age categories, we see a gradual decline in the number of undergraduate males and females. For instance, in the 20-21 age group, there are 150 males and 149 females, indicating a well-balanced gender ratio among undergraduates. However, the numbers drop significantly for the 22-24 age group, where there are just 94 males and 45 females. This decline could reflect a common trend in higher education where students in their early twenties may take gap years, switch to part-time study, or enter the workforce.
Interestingly, the data shows a very small representation of older students, with only a handful in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups. This pattern is not uncommon in many colleges across the United States, as they tend to cater primarily to younger students. Furthermore, the absence of graduate male students across all age categories signifies a possible gap in graduate programs or a preference for undergraduate pursuits at this institution.
Overall, Menlo College's student age demographics highlight a focus on younger individuals, which aligns with the broader trends in higher education, where traditional-age students dominate enrollment figures. This distribution poses both opportunities and challenges for the college, particularly in fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment that can engage students of all ages.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.
173 in 2025 · 14.1% in 2016
14 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2024
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Menlo College
The data on international student enrollment at Menlo College reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in the undergraduate segment. Beginning in 2004, the percentage of international students fluctuated, with an initial count of 11.71% among undergraduates. This figure saw a gradual increase over the years, culminating in a substantial rise to 21.88% in 2023.
The growth in international student enrollment can be attributed to several factors, including the globalization of education and increased awareness of the benefits of studying abroad. Additionally, the rise in international student enrollment from just 78 students in 2004 to 175 in 2023 highlights Menlo College's efforts in attracting a diverse student body.
The peak enrollment period appears to be between 2019 and 2020, where the percentage surged from 20.65% to 22.93%. This could reflect the institution's strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its appeal to international students, such as improved academic programs, scholarships, and support services.
While the data for graduate students remains unavailable, the trends in undergraduate enrollment suggest a growing acceptance and integration of international students into the college's community. This aligns with broader trends observed in higher education, where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of cultural diversity and the enrichment it brings to the academic environment.
Overall, Menlo College seems to be on a positive trajectory in terms of international student enrollment, which not only enhances the institution's global reputation but also fosters a multicultural learning environment, preparing all students for a more interconnected world.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$71,866
- Undergraduate tuition
- $53,630
- Room and board
- $18,236
- Graduate tuition
- $19,960
Peer median tuition + room and board $27,000 · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 38% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 44%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$38.6M
Expenses$36.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Pacific West Conference
Pacific West Conference: basketball, baseball
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 35 | 32 |
| Soccer | 37 | 29 |
| Baseball | 47 | - |
| Volleyball | 22 | 18 |
| Basketball | 15 | 18 |
| Golf | 17 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 28 |
| Tennis | 13 | 8 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 34 | 38 |
| Soccer | 41 | 26 |
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Volleyball | 18 | 19 |
| Basketball | 15 | 14 |
| Golf | 17 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 26 |
| Tennis | 14 | 10 |
| Cross Country | 11 | 9 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | 62 | 35 |
| Soccer | 36 | 25 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 39 | 13 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Volleyball | 18 | 16 |
| Basketball | 16 | 17 |
| Golf | 14 | 10 |
| Tennis | 16 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Stanford UniversityStanford · 2.1 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara · 15.7 mi
U.S. News #55
-
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco · 24.2 mi
U.S. News #227
-
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco · 26.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley · 29.2 mi
U.S. News #20
-
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz · 32.5 mi
U.S. News #109
-
University of the PacificStockton · 60.3 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of California-DavisDavis · 78.8 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of California-MercedMerced · 97.1 mi
U.S. News #69
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Menlo College:
-
Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious private research university known for its cutting-edge research, vibrant campus life, and strong entrepreneurial spirit.
-
University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and is a leading institution in research and public service.
-
University of California-Santa Barbara - Ranked 35th, UCSB is known for its beautiful campus, strong research programs, and vibrant student life, particularly in the fields of science and engineering.
-
University of California-Davis - With a rank of 28, UC Davis is recognized for its agricultural and environmental sciences programs, as well as its strong emphasis on sustainability.
-
California State University-East Bay - Ranked 280, this public university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on practical education.
-
San Francisco State University - With a rank of 178, SFSU provides a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement.
-
University of the Pacific - Ranked 142, this private university is known for its small class sizes and personalized education, particularly in the fields of health sciences and business.
These institutions offer a variety of academic opportunities and are well-regarded in the educational landscape.
Peer median 0.0 · all 40 private business and management schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Menlo College
The crime statistics at Menlo College over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. Notably, the year 2019 saw a peak with a rate of 24.77 incidents per 1,000 students. This spike may correlate with broader societal trends, such as the increase in campus-related crimes observed nationally during that period.
In contrast, the years 2014 and 2020 experienced notably lower rates, at 9.40 and 8.72 respectively. This decline could suggest that measures taken by the college to enhance campus security and promote safety awareness were effective during these years. However, the rates began to rise again post-2020, indicating a troubling resurgence in incidents, particularly in 2022 and 2023, where the rates climbed to 19.60 and 21.50 respectively.
Analyzing the specific types of offenses, it is crucial to address the seriousness of violent crimes such as domestic violence and assault, which can have lasting impacts on campus culture and student well-being. The ongoing increase in these incidents underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures from campus authorities.
Overall, while Menlo College has seen periods of reduced crime, the recent upward trend in violence suggests a pressing need for intervention strategies and support systems to ensure student safety. For further insights on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Menlo College include Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi billionaire investor and royal), Penelope Ann Miller (Actress) and Patty Hearst (Hearst family member, kidnapping victim and actress).
-
Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 1955–
Saudi billionaire investor and royal
-
Penelope Ann Miller 1964–
Actress
-
Patty Hearst 1954–
Hearst family member, kidnapping victim and actress
-
Dan Gurney 1931–2018
Racing driver and four-time Formula One race winner
-
Carla Esparza 1987–
Former UFC Women's Strawweight Champion
-
Jeff Van Gundy 1962–
Basketball coach, former Knicks and Rockets head coach
-
Rink Babka 1936–2022
Discus thrower, 1960 Olympic silver medalist
-
Sattam bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud 1941–2013
Saudi royal and governor of Riyadh Province
-
Josh Emmett 1985–
UFC featherweight mixed martial artist
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.