Minerva University is a private university headquartered in San Francisco, California. It was established in 2012 by Ben Nelson using $25 million in venture funding from Benchmark Capital. All classes are conducted as online seminars capped at 19 students.
Minerva University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university offers a liberal arts education that is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and focuses on developing students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Highlights
- Global immersion: Students live and learn in different cities around the world, giving them a global perspective. This is one of the most unique and innovative aspects of Minerva University.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum: The curriculum is interdisciplinary, which means that students take courses in a variety of subjects. This helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Active learning: Students are actively involved in their learning. They participate in discussions, debates, and projects. This helps them learn more effectively and retain information better.
Important Dates
| Date | Deadline | Event |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2023 | Early Action | Apply for admission |
| January 16, 2024 | Regular Decision I | Apply for admission |
| March 5, 2024 | Regular Decision II | Apply for admission |
| April 9, 2024 | Extended Decision | Apply for admission |
| July 2024 | Orientation | Meet classmates and professors, learn about Minerva University |
| August 2024 | First day of classes | Classes held online and in Berlin, London, and Taipei |
| May 2026 | Capstone Project | Complete capstone experience that applies skills and knowledge to a real-world problem |
Rankings
Minerva University is not ranked by US News & World Report or other major college rankings. However, it is a relatively new university, having been founded in 2012. It is also a small university, with an enrollment of about 500 students.
Despite its lack of rankings, Minerva University has been recognized for its innovative approach to higher education. In 2022 and 2023, it was named the most innovative university in the world by World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI). WURI is a global ranking system that focuses on the impact of universities on society.
Minerva University is also a member of the Annapolis Group, a consortium of leading liberal arts colleges and universities. The Annapolis Group is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for lives of leadership and service.
Overall, Minerva University is a unique and innovative university that is not ranked by major college rankings. However, it has been recognized for its innovative approach to higher education and its commitment to providing a high-quality education.
Here are some other things to consider when evaluating the ranking of a university:
- Accreditation: Make sure the university is accredited by a reputable accreditation agency. This ensures that the university meets the quality standards set by the higher education community.
- Student satisfaction: Read reviews from current and former students to get a sense of their satisfaction with the university.
- Cost: Consider the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses when comparing universities.
- Location: Think about where you want to go to school and what kind of environment you are looking for.
- Programs offered: Make sure the university offers the programs you are interested in.
- Faculty: Consider the quality of the faculty and their teaching methods.
- Research opportunities: If you are interested in research, make sure the university offers opportunities for undergraduate research.
- Graduate outcomes: Look at the data on where graduates of the university go after they graduate.
Courses
here are some of the courses offered at Minerva University:
- Cornerstone Courses: These are the core courses that all students take. They are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- CX50: Complex Systems
- EA50: Empirical Analyses
- FA50: Formal Analyses
- Major Courses: These are the courses that students take in their major. There are five majors offered at Minerva University:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Computational Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Concentration Courses: These are the courses that students take in their concentration. Concentrations are smaller areas of study within a major.
- Electives: These are the courses that students take outside of their major or concentration. Electives can be used to explore new interests or to fulfill graduation requirements.
- Cornerstone Courses: These are the core courses that all students take. They are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Fees
The tuition and fees for Minerva University for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
- Tuition: $16,450
- Program Fee: $2,000
- Residential Services Fee: $15,000
- Other Expenses: $5,000
The total cost of attendance is estimated to be $40,600. However, Minerva University offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
- Tuition: This is the cost of instruction and academic support.
- Program Fee: This fee covers the costs of the Minerva Method, which includes the use of online learning technologies, the Minerva Global Learning Hubs, and the Capstone Project.
- Residential Services Fee: This fee covers the cost of room and board, as well as dining and other services.
- Other Expenses: This includes the cost of books, transportation, and personal expenses.
The cost of attendance at Minerva University is comparable to the cost of attendance at other private universities. However, Minerva University offers a unique and innovative educational experience that may be worth the additional cost.
Here are some additional things to consider when evaluating the cost of a university:
- Financial aid: Make sure to research the financial aid options available at the university. This could help you reduce the cost of attendance.
- Scholarships: Look for scholarships that you may be eligible for. This could help you reduce the cost of attendance.
- Work-study: Work-study programs can help you earn money to help pay for college.
- Loans: Loans can be a way to finance your education, but it is important to be aware of the terms and conditions of the loan.
Admission
- Academic record: Minerva University requires a strong academic record. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Standardized test scores: Minerva University does not require standardized test scores. However, they may be considered as part of the application process.
- Essays: Minerva University requires two essays: a personal statement and a why Minerva essay.
- Recommendations: Minerva University requires two letters of recommendation.
- Interview: Minerva University requires an interview with a current student or faculty member.
In addition to these requirements, Minerva University also looks for students who are:
- Inquisitive: Minerva University wants students who are curious about the world and who are always asking questions.
- Collaborative: Minerva University wants students who are able to work well with others and who are willing to share ideas.
- Independent: Minerva University wants students who are able to think for themselves and who are not afraid to take risks.
- Globally minded: Minerva University wants students who are interested in learning about different cultures and perspectives.
The admissions process at Minerva University is holistic. This means that all of the factors mentioned above are considered when making an admissions decision.
If you are interested in applying to Minerva University, I recommend that you start by visiting their website and reading about the admissions process. You can also contact the admissions office with any questions you have.
Here are some additional tips for applying to Minerva University:
- Start early: The application deadline is in January, so it is important to start the application process early.
- Be yourself: Minerva University wants to get to know the real you, so be yourself in your essays and interview.
- Highlight your strengths: In your essays and interview, highlight your strengths and why you would be a good fit for Minerva University.
- Get help: If you need help with the application process, there are many resources available to you. You can talk to your guidance counselor, a tutor, or a friend.
Cut offs
Minerva University does not have cutoffs in the traditional sense. Instead, they have a holistic admissions process that considers factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. There is no minimum GPA or standardized test score requirement.
The acceptance rate at Minerva University is extremely selective, at 1%. This means that only a very small percentage of applicants are admitted each year.
If you are interested in applying to Minerva University, I recommend that you start by visiting their website and learning more about the school and their admissions process. You can also find helpful information on their website about how to prepare your application.
Placements
Minerva University has a strong track record of placing its graduates in good jobs. According to the university’s website, 91% of Minerva graduates have accepted full-time roles or been admitted to graduate school within six months of graduation.
The average starting salary for Minerva graduates is $70,000. The university’s graduates have been placed at companies such as Amazon, Google, McKinsey & Company, and the World Bank.
Here are some of the companies that have hired Minerva graduates:
- Amazon
- McKinsey & Company
- The World Bank
- Bain & Company
- BCG
- Deloitte
- Ernst & Young
- JP Morgan Chase
- Morgan Stanley
- Goldman Sachs
Scholarships
Minerva University offers a variety of scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need or academic merit. Some of the scholarships available include:
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The amount of the scholarship will vary depending on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds.
- Academic merit scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who have a high GPA and/or standardized test scores. The amount of the scholarship will vary depending on the student’s academic achievements and the availability of funds.
- Specialized scholarships: Minerva University also offers a number of specialized scholarships, such as scholarships for students who are interested in certain majors or who have certain talents or experiences.
To be eligible for a scholarship at Minerva University, you must apply for financial aid. The financial aid application is separate from your admissions application and will not impact your admissions decision.
The financial aid application deadline is November 15, 2023. You can find more information about scholarships and financial aid at Minerva University on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission requirements vary by program and residency status. General requirements include a high school diploma, specific grade requirements, optional SAT/ACT scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities
The application deadline is November 1 for the fall semester and February 1 for the winter semester
Yes, the university offers career counseling, including individual and group sessions, workshops, and access to job postings.
