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Canisius University

Accept Rate
81.77%
Grad Rate
68.3%
Enrollment
1,768
Avg SAT
1150
Tuition
$32,720
Median Salary
$60,681
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Canisius University offers an intimate, tight-knit Jesuit campus feel where students are known by name, not just a student ID. Situated in a classic urban neighborhood, it blends the intellectual curiosity of a liberal arts college with the energy and opportunities of Buffalo. It feels like a supportive community where personal growth and leadership are actively encouraged.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

81.77%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1150

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 28

Admissions Tips

Highlight your leadership experience and commitment to service in your application, as Canisius values students who contribute to the community. Since the acceptance rate is a generous 81.77%, a strong GPA and a well-written personal essay can help secure a spot and qualify you for merit scholarships. Be sure to connect your academic interests to the universityโ€™s specific strengths, like their business or biology departments.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1150
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is renowned for its strong programs in Business, Biology, and the Humanities, backed by a commitment to Jesuit educational values. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship from professors who prioritize teaching. Students have ample access to hands-on research, particularly through partnerships with Buffalo's medical and scientific institutions.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
24.2%
Biology & Biomedical
18.4%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
12%
Communications
9.4%
Psychology
9.2%
Social Sciences
6.1%
Computer Science
3.8%
Criminal Justice
3.8%
Education
3.6%
History
2.3%
Natural Resources
1.5%
English & Literature
1.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

68.3%
Graduation Rate
80%
Retention Rate
1,768
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$32,720
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,322
After financial aid
Total Cost
$42,271
Cost of attendance/year
26.8%
Receive Pell Grants
53.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Buffalo

Living in Buffalo means easy access to a vibrant arts scene, professional sports, and the renowned waterfront district for kayaking and summer festivals. Students enjoy exploring the city's famous food culture, from Buffalo wings to farm-to-table dining, and taking advantage of free admission to local museums. The cityโ€™s four-season climate offers everything from snowy winter activities to beautiful summers on Lake Erie.

Local Rent Check

$992 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Buffalo
Explore Buffalo

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$130,880
$0Est. 4 Years: $130,880

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($60,681):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a residential neighborhood with a visible campus safety presence and well-lit streets. While it is an urban setting, the university provides robust safety resources, including 24/7 campus patrols and shuttle services for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High retention rate of 80% indicates strong student satisfaction and community engagement.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster close relationships with faculty and personalized academic support.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Buffalo provides internship and career opportunities in a major city.
  • โœ“ The Jesuit focus on holistic education emphasizes ethics, leadership, and social responsibility.

Cons

  • โœ— The 68.3% graduation rate is below the national average for private universities.
  • โœ— Buffalo's harsh winters can be a significant adjustment for students from warmer climates.
  • โœ— As a smaller institution, the range of specialized majors and research facilities is more limited than at large research universities.

Notable Alumni

Bob Koshinski
Former CEO of the Buffalo Sabres and a prominent figure in sports management and business.
John R. Oishei
Founder of the Trico Products Corporation, a leading manufacturer of windshield wipers and a major philanthropist in Western New York.
Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz
Founder of The Response to Love Center, a renowned non-profit organization serving the poor and homeless in Buffalo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canisius University, a private Jesuit institution in Buffalo, NY, is known for its strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and community service within a close-knit academic environment. It excels in business, biology, and communication programs, offering students personalized attention through small class sizes. The university is also recognized for its commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and civic engagement.

No, Canisius University has a high acceptance rate of 81.77%, making it a moderately selective school that is accessible to a broad range of applicants. While admissions are not highly competitive, a strong academic record, particularly a good GPA and a compelling personal essay, will strengthen your application and increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

Campus life at Canisius is characterized by a strong sense of community and student involvement. With a small student body of 1,768, students enjoy a tight-knit social scene, numerous student-led clubs, and active NCAA Division I athletics. The urban setting allows students to easily access the cultural and recreational activities of Buffalo while maintaining a traditional campus feel.

Yes, Canisius University presents a strong value proposition, with an average net price of $18,322 significantly lower than the sticker price. The investment is justified by a 10-year median graduate earnings of $60,681 and the benefit of a personalized, Jesuit-style education that opens doors in the Buffalo region and beyond. For students seeking a supportive environment with a solid ROI, Canisius is a worthy consideration.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

M&T Bank Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center KeyBank HealthNow Delaware North
Smart Start Score
66

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,889
  • In-State Tuition $32,720
  • Zip Code 14208

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 50.5% โ™€ 49.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $18,322, Canisius offers a private university education at a cost comparable to many public institutions. The 10-year median earnings of $60,681 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like business and healthcare. The consistent tuition rate for in and out-of-state students adds significant value for those coming from outside New York.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $32,720
Housing (12 mo) $11,904
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $51,824
With avg financial aid:
$18,322/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.