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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Minerva University

San Francisco, California · www.minerva.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

3.0%

2025

Tuition per year

$23,630

$39,380 with room and board

Undergraduates

637

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Graduation rate

71.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 83.1%

About

Minerva University, located in San Francisco, California, is an innovative institution that redefines higher education with its unique approach to learning. Established in 2013, Minerva focuses on a global and interdisciplinary curriculum aimed at preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. The university's distinctive model allows students to study in several global cities during their academic journey, including locations like Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Seoul, which enhances their cultural awareness and adaptability. This global immersion, combined with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, sets Minerva apart from traditional universities.

The university's mission is encapsulated in its guiding principle: "The world needs leaders who are trained to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with diverse perspectives." Minerva offers a range of undergraduate programs in areas such as Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Computational Sciences, and Arts, all designed to foster a deep understanding of complex global issues. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Minerva ensures personalized attention and mentorship from its highly qualified faculty, many of whom are leaders in their fields. This focus on collaboration and engagement cultivates a vibrant campus culture where students are encouraged to challenge ideas and push boundaries, preparing them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics

The data from Minerva University reveals significant trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, retention rates, and gender ratios over the years. One notable observation is the consistent increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, which surged from $11,450 in 2015 to $17,562 in 2023. This 54% increase in tuition reflects a broader trend in higher education, where tuition costs have been rising faster than inflation, making it imperative for prospective students to consider the financial implications of their education.

In terms of enrollment, the university has experienced substantial growth in the number of undergraduate students, jumping from just 28 in 2015 to 613 in 2023. This dramatic increase suggests that the university is gaining popularity and potentially enhancing its reputation as a quality educational institution. However, it's crucial to assess how this growth impacts student-to-faculty ratios. The student-to-faculty ratio has improved, moving from 7 in 2015 to 13 in 2023. While an increasing ratio can indicate larger class sizes and potentially less personalized attention for students, it may also reflect a strategic decision to scale operations efficiently.

Retention rates are another critical metric, showcasing the university's ability to keep students engaged. The retention rate started at 88.9% in 2017, peaked at 95.7% in 2018, but has since declined to 87.1% in 2023. This decline raises concerns about student satisfaction and the effectiveness of support services, especially in a competitive educational landscape.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students shows a gradual shift towards a more balanced enrollment, with women comprising roughly 57.7% of the student body in 2023. This change is encouraging, suggesting that the university is attracting a diverse pool of students, which can enrich the educational experience for all.

Overall, while Minerva University demonstrates significant growth and positive trends in several areas, challenges such as rising tuition and fluctuating retention rates warrant careful attention as the university continues to evolve.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
San Francisco, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 10 mi
San Francisco, California
Also known as
Minerva
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Patrice McMahon (Provost)
Phone
4156497658
City
San Francisco, California
Address
14 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
2.6%
Women
3.3%

In 2022: men 0.8%, women 1.2%.

Data insights

Analysis of Minerva University's Admissions Data

The admissions data for Minerva University reveals a compelling trend in the acceptance rates and overall enrollment figures over the years. Starting from 2016, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have gradually decreased, indicating a growing competitiveness within the admission process. For instance, the male acceptance rate fell from approximately 2.11% in 2016 to merely 0.76% in 2023, while the female acceptance rate decreased from about 2.10% to 1.23% in the same period.
This downward trend in acceptance rates coincides with a significant increase in the total number of applications received, which surged from over 8,800 in 2016 to more than 20,600 in 2023. This increase suggests that Minerva University is gaining recognition as a desirable institution, possibly due to its innovative educational model and distinctive global learning environment.
Additionally, the number of enrollments has fluctuated, with a peak of 165 students in 2018 and a notable decline to 150 in 2023. On the other hand, the number of denied applications has risen sharply, reflecting the institution's selective nature. The data also indicates a small number of applicants who were deferred admission, which could imply that the university is cautious in its selection process, ensuring that only the most suitable candidates are admitted.
Overall, these trends underscore the increasing competition for spots at Minerva University, highlighting the institution's rising profile in the academic landscape. As the university continues to attract more applicants, it will be interesting to observe how it balances the demand with its selective admission process in the coming years.

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

Analysis of Minerva University's Admissions Data

The admissions data for Minerva University from 2007 to 2023 presents a unique challenge due to the absence of specific numerical values for standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores. This lack of data reflects a broader trend in higher education where many institutions are increasingly adopting test-optional policies. Over recent years, many universities have recognized that standardized test scores may not fully capture a student's potential or ability to succeed in an academic environment.

As more institutions move towards holistic admissions processes, focusing on a wider range of applicant qualities, the emphasis on SAT and ACT scores may diminish. This shift is particularly significant in light of ongoing discussions about equity and access in higher education. Standardized tests have long been criticized for perpetuating socioeconomic disparities, and universities like Minerva seem to be responding to these concerns by potentially de-emphasizing these metrics.

Moreover, the absence of data for these years could suggest a strategic pivot in the university's admissions philosophy, aligning with the growing recognition of the importance of diverse experiences and backgrounds among applicants. As Minerva continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these changes affect its student demographics and overall academic environment, especially as the landscape of higher education continues to transform in response to societal needs and expectations.

How Hard Is It to Get In

1 in 33

10,864 applicants in 2025, 3.0% admitted

330 admitted 10,534 not admitted Yield 43.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1620 international (0.0%)
Master's190 international (0.0%)
Top 5 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Computer and Information Sciences, General
76
Business Administration and Management, General
28
Social Sciences, General
25
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
20
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
13

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Organizational Leadership · Master's19 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Minerva University 2023

The graduation data from Minerva University in 2023 reveals notable trends across various disciplines. Mathematics and Computer Science emerges as the most popular program, with 70 graduates, including 63 international students. This underscores the global interest in technology and quantitative skills, which are increasingly relevant in today's job market.

In contrast, the field of Humanities and Humanistic Studies, while essential for fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness, had only 19 graduates, with 15 being international students. This may reflect a broader trend in higher education where STEM fields often attract more attention and enrollment compared to the humanities, highlighting a potential imbalance in academic interests.

The Business Administration program also shows a solid number of graduates at 32, with 30 being international. This suggests a strong global demand for business education, aligning with the increasing mobility of businesses and the need for skilled leaders in a diverse economy.

Interestingly, the Organizational Leadership program stands out for its unique offering, graduating 5 students, all of whom are international. This indicates a niche appeal for leadership skills among global candidates, potentially reflecting the increasing importance of cross-cultural management in the globalized workplace.

Overall, the data illustrates a clear preference for certain fields, particularly those aligned with technology and business, while traditional humanities disciplines face challenges in enrollment. This trend raises questions about the future of education and the importance of maintaining a diverse curriculum that includes all areas of knowledge.

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

Computer and information sciencehas 76 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Businesshas 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Organizational Leadership.-
Social sciencehas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Social Sciences, General.-
Liberal arts has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Biologyhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-

Students

669 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 98.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (637)

Unknown
460 · 72.2%
International
133 · 20.9%
White
28 · 4.4%
Asian
11 · 1.7%
Two or more races
3 · 0.5%
Hispanic
2 · 0.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Minerva University in 2023

In the 2023 academic year, Minerva University has showcased a diverse student body. The undergraduate freshmen category comprises 140 students, with a gender distribution that leans slightly towards females, as evidenced by a 59.3% female representation compared to 40.7% male. This trend continues in the undergraduate juniors, where out of 473 students, 57.3% are female and 42.7% are male. The significant presence of female students in both categories indicates a positive trend towards gender balance in higher education, aligning with broader societal movements that encourage female participation in STEM fields and other traditionally male-dominated areas.

On the other hand, the graduate student population appears to be less diverse in terms of gender, with a notable 63.8% of the 47 graduate students being male and only 36.2% female. This disparity raises questions about the factors influencing the gender gap at the graduate level and suggests that Minerva may need to implement strategies to attract more female candidates to its graduate programs.

Additionally, the breakdown of ethnic backgrounds among the undergraduate freshmen indicates a small cohort of white students, alongside other minority groups. However, detailed statistics on the representation of various ethnicities are not fully available for the undergraduate juniors and graduate students. This lack of comprehensive data necessitates further investigation into the demographic composition of the university, which is crucial for fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Overall, the data reflects a university committed to diversity, yet it highlights areas that require attention, particularly in balancing gender representation at the graduate level and understanding the ethnic composition of the student body. Continued efforts in outreach and support will be essential for Minerva University to enhance its inclusivity and attract a wider range of students.

Age Composition of Students at Minerva University in 2023

The age distribution of students at Minerva University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding the demographics of the student body. The majority of students fall within the traditional college age range, with the 18-19 age group comprising 43.5% of the total male population and 44.8% of the total female population. This indicates that Minerva successfully attracts a significant number of younger students who are just beginning their higher education journey.

Interestingly, the 20-21 age group also shows a strong presence, with 35.1% of male and 36.5% of female students. This suggests that many students are progressing into their second year of undergraduate studies, which is a positive sign for retention rates.

As we examine older age groups, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students. For example, those aged 22-24 represent only 9.5% of male and 12.1% of female students. This trend continues with older age brackets, where participation decreases significantly, particularly among the 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 age groups. The absence of undergraduate males in the 30-34 category, coupled with a minimal number of graduate males and females, indicates a potential gap in the university’s appeal to older students.

Overall, Minerva University seems to cater predominantly to younger individuals, which aligns with broader trends in higher education. As institutions increasingly embrace non-traditional students, it will be crucial for Minerva to develop strategies that engage and accommodate diverse age groups, which may enhance their educational offerings and community dynamics.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years

Undergraduates20.9%

133 in 2025 · 78.4% in 2016

0% 52.5% 105% 2016: 78.4%2017: 73.7%2018: 78.6%2022: 86.9%2023: 88.9%2024: 92.4%2025: 20.9%
20162025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 60.0% in 2017

0% 52.5% 105% 2017: 60.0%2022: 93.8%2023: 83.0%2024: 81.1%2025: 0.0%
20172025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Data at Minerva University

The data reflects a significant trend in the enrollment of international students at Minerva University over the years. Starting from 2015, the total number of undergraduate students grew from 28 to 613 by 2023, showcasing the institution's increasing appeal. The international student population has also risen dramatically, with the percentage of international undergraduates peaking at 88.91% in 2023, indicating a strong global interest in Minerva's unique educational model.

The steady rise in the number of international students reflects broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly becoming international hubs for learning. The high percentages of international students suggest that Minerva University successfully attracts a diverse student body, which can enhance the educational experience through varied perspectives and cultures.

Interestingly, the graduate student data shows a different story. While there was a small number of graduate students recorded in 2017, the enrollment numbers increased significantly by 2022, with a notable 93.75% of graduate students being international. However, the figures for 2023 indicate a drop in the percentage of international graduate students to 82.98%. This fluctuation may reflect changing global dynamics, such as visa regulations and the impact of recent geopolitical events on international education.

Overall, the data illustrates Minerva University's growing prominence as a destination for international students, highlighting the importance of global engagement in higher education. As institutions navigate the complexities of international relations and educational policies, the ability to attract and retain a diverse student body will remain crucial for their success.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$39,380

Undergraduate tuition
$23,630
Room and board
$15,750
Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose 98% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -2%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$24.8M

Gifts and private grants
$13.5M54.4%
Tuition and fees
$10.5M42.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$828K3.3%

Expenses$33.4M

Student services
$17.7M53.0%
Instruction
$10.6M31.7%
Institutional support
$4.0M11.9%
Research
$1.1M3.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

All faculty
$123,929
Professor
$123,277
Associate professor
$127,136
Assistant professor
$123,487

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Minerva University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious research university known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is renowned for its research, diverse student body, and commitment to public service.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15, UCLA is a leading public research university that offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  4. University of California-Santa Barbara - Ranked 35th, UCSB is celebrated for its beautiful campus, strong research programs, and vibrant student life.

  5. University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a wide variety of programs in arts, sciences, and professional fields.

These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and are well-regarded in various fields of study.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Minerva University

The crime data from Minerva University reveals a remarkable trend of zero incidents across multiple years, specifically from 2013 to 2023. This consistent absence of recorded offenses suggests a safe campus environment, which is a significant achievement for any educational institution. The absence of arrests related to gun possession, drug offenses, alcohol-related incidents, and other serious crimes such as assault or theft indicates effective campus safety measures and possibly a strong community ethos among students.

When evaluating campus safety, it is essential to consider not only the statistics but also the broader context of crime prevention initiatives undertaken by the university. Programs that foster open communication, peer support, and proactive crime prevention strategies could contribute significantly to this positive trend. Moreover, the absence of reported cases of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual offenses further highlights the effectiveness of the university's policies in creating a secure and respectful environment.

However, it is also crucial to remain vigilant. A lack of reported incidents does not necessarily imply that crimes are not occurring; it could also indicate underreporting. Continuous efforts in education, awareness, and support for students are vital to maintaining this safe atmosphere. The commitment to safety must be an ongoing priority, ensuring that both students and staff feel secure and supported.

For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.