Admit rate has ranged 95%–100% over the last 5 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Manna University is a small, faith-based institution in Fayetteville, NC, with a laser focus on biblical education and ministry training. With an acceptance rate hovering around 53% and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, it offers an intimate, hands-on approach to theological studies—earning recognition as the #1 online Bible college in the U.S. for affordability and student outcomes. Its graduates enter the world primed for pastoral leadership, though their earnings reflect the modest financial realities of vocational ministry.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
Considered (not required)
Demonstrated competencies
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
183
In-state tuition
$9,105
Out-of-state tuition
$9,105
Location
Fayetteville, NC
Top Majors
Divinity, Ministry, Pastoral Counseling
Acceptance Rate
52.7–53%
Notable Ranking
#1 Online Bible College (2019)
Total Enrollment
202 students
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
4-Year Graduation Rate
42%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median debt at graduation
$13,450
Graduation rate
80%
First-year retention
100%
Pell (lower-income) share
68%
Endowment / student
$221
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Financial health
2.0 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
0
Per 1,000 students
0.00
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
109
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
39°F
Annual rain
47.7"
Annual snow
1.4"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Manna University?
Manna University's acceptance rate is approximately 53% (Fayetteville, NC), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Manna University cost?
At Manna University, the average net price (after aid) is about $15,210 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Manna University?
Manna University enrolls approximately 183 undergraduate students.
Where is Manna University located?
Manna University is located in Fayetteville, NC.
Admissions
Manna University maintains a selective but accessible admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. fluctuating between 52.7% (per 2024 data) and 53% in recent years. The university received 93 applications in 2024, admitting 49 students—a 145% increase in admissions volume from prior years. While SAT/ACT scores are considered (per assessment requirements noted in their admissions philosophy), the emphasis appears to be on alignment with the institution's mission rather than strict academic benchmarks. Notably, some sources report a 100% acceptance rate, suggesting possible differences between online and on-campus programs or open enrollment for certain tracks.
This is unapologetically a ministry training ground, with 18 of its most popular majors focused on divinity, theology, and pastoral counseling. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with practical ministry experience, offering flexible programs like the A.A. in Ministry (24 elective hours) and B.A. in Ministry (51 elective hours)—its most customizable degree. Manna was named the nationally in 2019 for affordability and student satisfaction, with particular strength in its online Bachelor of Divinity program. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, though the academic scope is narrow by design—business degrees, for example, represent just 4 of its offerings.
Life at Manna orbits around faith formation and leadership development. The Manna University Leadership Institute offers micro-credentials for 'everyday leaders on everyday mission,' while resources connect students to local churches and Christian counseling. Social media glimpses show tight-knit gatherings, though the vibe is more purposeful than playful—this isn’t a typical undergraduate party scene. With a heavy emphasis on global outreach ('equipping leaders to change the world'), many students likely engage in missions work or local ministry placements. The small size—just 202 students total—means everyone knows each other, for better or worse.
The 4-year graduation rate sits at 42%—below the national average for certificate colleges (68%) but understandable given the vocational nature of its programs. Alumni outcomes aren’t tracked through conventional career-placement metrics; instead, the university emphasizes 'subjective measures' like ministry impact. While degree holders reportedly earn 84% more than high school graduates (per internal studies), this likely reflects broader labor trends rather than specific salary data—federal scorecards show modest post-graduation earnings typical for ministry roles. Retention and completion rates are transparently reported, suggesting institutional honesty about challenges alongside its successes.
With an average net price of $11,849–$12,736 after aid, Manna is relatively affordable for a private institution. About 34% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a sizable low-income population. The financial aid office actively guides students toward scholarships, grants, and work-study—critical support given that many graduates enter lower-paying ministry fields. Notably, 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 and aid resources are prominently featured, suggesting a commitment to transparency about real costs. Still, the total cost ($17,821 before aid) requires careful planning for students eyeing vocational careers.
Manna University does one thing exceptionally well: preparing biblically grounded leaders for hands-on ministry. Its laser focus—evident in everything from the 10:1 student-faculty ratio to the 51 elective hours in its flagship B.A. program—creates a no-distractions environment for those called to vocational ministry. The #1 national ranking for online Bible degrees (backed by strong student satisfaction scores) proves its niche dominance. While not for everyone—the narrow academic scope and modest post-grad earnings won’t appeal to careerists—it delivers exactly what it promises: affordable, practical training for lifelong spiritual work.
Manna University logo · sourceAbout - Manna University · sourceCurrent Students - Manna University · sourceManna University (@mannauniversity) • Instagram photos and videos · source
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