Program Overview

Introduction to the Incoming Exchange Program

Manhattan University welcomes students from the One La Salle network and from the University's partner schools abroad to study in Riverdale for a semester and experience everything Manhattan has to offer. The university provides a beautiful campus with a close-knit community and easy access to New York City, offering a unique and safe way to experience one of the world's greatest cities.

General Information

• Location: Riverdale, New York City, located about 10 miles north of midtown Manhattan. The campus is a five-minute walk from the #1 subway line and a 40-minute subway ride to Times Square.
• Provisional semester dates (includes final exam period):
  • Fall semester: August 25 - December 13, 2025
  • Spring semester: January 21 - May 16, 2026

Application Process

Students must first be nominated by their home university and then submit the following application documents to Manhattan University:

• Manhattan University application form (online)
• Color copy of valid passport
• Official transcript of academic results from home university
• Language proficiency exam certificate
• Cover letter regarding motivation for study at Manhattan University

Once students are admitted to study on exchange at Manhattan University, they will need to additionally submit:

• Certificate of Financial Responsibility and recent bank statements showing available funds
• Signed J-1 Health Insurance Compliance letter
• Manhattan University Health Forms
• Proof of Health Insurance

GPA Requirement

In general, students who present a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average from previous university-level coursework are considered for admission.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Incoming exchange students are required to submit the results of an English Proficiency Test as part of their application. The minimum scores for accepted language proficiency exams are:

• TOEFL: 80
• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEIC: 730
• Duolingo English Test: 110
• Cambridge English: 180

Equivalent results from alternative English language proficiency exams will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Deadlines

• For Fall semester or academic year (August start): April 30
• For Spring semester (January start): October 18

Academic Information

Manhattan University encompasses three schools:

1. The O'Malley School of Business (includes Accounting, Business Analytics, CIS & Law, Economics & Finance, and Management & Marketing)
2. The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences (includes Education, Computer Science, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Communication, Sound, Media Arts and Performing Arts, English, World Languages and Literatures, History, Political Science and International Studies, Kinesiology, Mathematics and Physics, Organizational Leadership, Radiation Therapy Technology, Religion and Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology)
3. The School of Engineering (includes Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, and Mechanical Engineering, and Air and Space Studies)

All undergraduate (Bachelor's) academic programs are open to both One La Salle applicants and applicants from Manhattan University's exchange partners. Eligibility for specific programs will be determined based on the applicant's academic background and qualifications. The language of instruction for all programs is English.

Housing Information

Incoming exchange students are required to reside on-campus for the duration of their time at Manhattan University. The Room & Board fees include the cost of living on-campus and a meal plan that covers the cost of eating at the on-campus dining hall and cafes. Students will be placed into residence halls that feature double- or triple-occupancy rooms; private rooms are limited in availability and for a higher fee.

Fees

• Room Fee: US$5,775 per semester (includes housing in a shared room on campus)
• Meal Plan Fee: US$4,200 per semester (includes a High Use meal plan of 315 entries to an unlimited buffet)
• Comprehensive Fee: US$1,100 per semester (includes all remaining fees such as the Information Services Fee and Campus Health Center Fee)
• Residency Security Deposit: US$300 (this security deposit is refunded after the end of the term less any room damages assessed)

Total for one semester of study at MU: US$11,375 (includes the US$300 residency security deposit, which is refunded after the end of the term less any room damages assessed. The remaining US$11,075 is nonrefundable.)

Students are asked to submit an initial non-refundable deposit of US$400 when they are officially accepted to the exchange program in order to secure their place at MU. This enrollment deposit goes towards the student's Room and Board Fees. The remainder of the fees are invoiced and typically due about one month before the semester begins.

Additional Expenses

In addition to the fees listed above, the following are estimated additional expenses for which incoming exchange students are responsible and for which they should budget:

• Visa fees: US$220 I-901 fee + US$185 machine-readable visa fee
• Round-trip flights to New York City: varies widely depending on the student's home location
• Books & supplies: about US$600 per semester
• In-country transportation: about US$450 per semester
• Miscellaneous expenses: about US$600 per semester

Health Insurance

Exchange students are required to purchase or show proof of adequate insurance coverage for student visa purposes. The insurance plan must cover at least US$100,000 for accidental/illness, US$25,000 repatriation, and have a deductible of US$500 or less. If students are unable to locate suitable insurance coverage, they are eligible to purchase the Manhattan University Student Health Insurance Plan (MC-SHIP).

Visa

All incoming students must apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa in the "Student (University/University)" category prior to arrival in the United States. This visa will allow program participants to legally enter the United States and to study there for the duration of their program. Students will be provided with the paperwork and documentation they will need to apply for this visa once they are officially accepted to the program.