Minerva University
About the university
Minerva University is an innovative private university headquartered in San Francisco, California. It was established in 2012 and opened in 2014 as Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute before becoming Minerva University in 2021. Minerva offers a globally immersive undergraduate education that combines small seminar‑style online classes with living and learning experiences in multiple international cities over four years, beginning in San Francisco and moving to places such as Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Taipei. Its curriculum focuses on active learning, critical thinking, interdisciplinary problem solving, and global citizenship rather than traditional lecture‑based instruction. Students engage deeply with coursework and real‑world challenges, preparing them to tackle complex societal problems and to build careers as thoughtful, adaptable leaders.
Key information
- Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
- Ranking #1
- US News #1
- National ranking #3
- Institution type: private
Popular faculties
- Computational Sciences (Computer Science & AI)
- Social Sciences (Sociology & Psychology)
- Business (Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship)
Programs (16)
- Business Administration
- Art and Design
- Political Science
- History
- Philology and Languages
- Law
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Philosophy
Student body
- Total students: 650
- Undergraduate: 637
- Graduate: 12
- International students: 85%
Campus life
Minerva University does not have a traditional campus; instead, students live together in residential housing in global cities each year (e.g., San Francisco, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Taipei). The environment emphasizes collaboration, cultural immersion, and experiential learning. With small dialogue‑based seminars and global city projects, student life is shaped by diverse cultural interactions, teamwork, and real‑world problem solving.
Housing & accommodation
Housing cost: $950 - $1,400 / per month
Housing options
- Global Residential Halls
- Shared Student Apartments
- Rotation Housing.
Student clubs and organizations
- Tech & AI Collective
- Global Politics Forum
- Entrepreneurship Hub.
Sports
- City-based Running Clubs
- Yoga Communities
- Local Gym Partnerships
Career & internships
Employment rate: 91%
Partner companies
- BCG
- World Bank
- OpenAI
- Amazon
- McKinsey
Internships: Minerva students often secure internships and experiential learning engagements during their global residencies. The university partners with programs and institutions worldwide to provide project‑based experiences where students apply classroom learning in real settings. Some students have worked on AI and mixed reality research projects through collaborations with institutions such as Landshut University and industry partners like BMW, gaining practical experience in labs and tech environments.
Admission requirements
Required tests
- SAT
- ACT
- IELTS
- TOEFL
Required documents
- Official Transcripts Minerva Admissions Challenges Top 6 Accomplishments Personal Statements
Minimum GPA: 4
Tuition costs
- $40,000 - $50,000 / per year
- Acceptance rate: 4.00%
- Scholarships available: Minerva University offers need‑ and merit‑based financial support to admitted students, including scholarships and grants to help cover tuition and living costs. Given its global model and diverse student body, financial aid may be tailored to individual circumstances to encourage participation from talented students worldwide.
- Additional costs: Student Services Fee: ~€1,000/year. Books & Supplies: Integrated digital resources (mostly free). Visa & Travel: Costs vary significantly depending on rotation cities and home country. Health Insurance: Mandatory global coverage.
Quick facts
- Founded: 2012
- Teaching languages: English, english
- Study formats: offline, online, hybrid
Contact
- Website: https://www.minerva.edu/
- [email protected]
- +1 (415) 612-0354