St. John Fisher University logo

St. John Fisher University

Rochester, NY Private ยท Suburban www.sjf.edu
Accept Rate
67.8%
Grad Rate
73.3%
Enrollment
2,579
Avg SAT
1207
Tuition
$39,666
Median Salary
$66,944
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

St. John Fisher University feels like a tight-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just by student ID. The suburban campus offers a safe, green environment that encourages collaboration and personal growth, fostering a strong sense of belonging among its students.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

67.8%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 120775th Pctl
11201280
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2429
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and leadership in your application, as Fisher values community-minded students. For the optional essay, connect your personal experiences to one of their top majors, like Health Professions or Business, to show a strong fit. Apply early in the fall to maximize your consideration for merit-based scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1207
40080012001600
School range: 1120โ€“1280

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

Academics & Majors

Fisher excels in career-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business, and Biology, with a teaching philosophy that emphasizes practical application and mentorship. Students benefit from small class sizes and robust research opportunities, often collaborating with faculty on projects that prepare them for professional success.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
33%
Business & Marketing
22.6%
Biology & Biomedical
8.2%
Psychology
7%
Education
7%
Social Sciences
5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.2%
Legal Studies
2.6%
Communications
2.3%
Computer Science
1.5%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.4%
English & Literature
1.1%

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

By The Numbers

73.3%
Graduation Rate
84.3%
Retention Rate
2,579
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
$39,666
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,150
After financial aid
Total Cost
$52,514
Cost of attendance/year
28.1%
Receive Pell Grants
67.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Rochester

Students enjoy Rochesterโ€™s vibrant arts scene, with frequent trips to the Eastman School of Music for concerts and the Strong Museum of Play for fun. The city offers easy access to the Genesee River trails for hiking and biking, plus a growing food truck and brewery scene that students love to explore.

Local Rent Check

$1,050 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Rochester
Explore Rochester

Reality Check

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

$158,664
$0Est. 4 Years: $158,664

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($66,944):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a quiet, safe suburb of Rochester with a highly visible campus security presence and well-lit pathways. Students generally feel secure, though standard precautions are advised when venturing into the surrounding city areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong career outcomes in high-demand fields like healthcare and business
  • โœ“ High retention and graduation rates indicate a supportive academic environment
  • โœ“ Suburban campus offers safety and community while being close to city amenities
  • โœ“ Generous merit aid opportunities for qualified applicants

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high, and the net price may still be a burden without scholarships
  • โœ— The suburban setting may feel isolated for students craving a bustling urban campus
  • โœ— Greek life is present but not a dominant part of campus culture, which may limit social options for some

Notable Alumni

Chris Collins
U.S. Representative for New York's 26th congressional district
John B. G. 'J.B.' Smoove
Actor and comedian known for his role in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Patrick J. Adams
Senior Vice President at Northrop Grumman and former NASA engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

St. John Fisher University is renowned for its strong programs in Health Professions (including nursing and physical therapy), Business, and Biology. It is also known for its personalized, student-centered approach to education with a focus on ethics, leadership, and community service in a faith-based context.

With an acceptance rate of 67.8%, St. John Fisher is moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1207, but the university practices holistic admissions, considering essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement alongside test scores.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with over 70 student clubs and organizations, including strong club sports and service groups. The suburban setting provides a close-knit feel, and students often participate in traditions, intramurals, and events in nearby Rochester.

Yes, for many students. The 10-year median earnings of $66,944 outpace the average net price of $28,150, and the high graduation and retention rates suggest students are well-supported. The investment is particularly justified for those pursuing high-ROI fields like health sciences or business.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Rochester Regional Health University of Rochester Medical Center Eastman Kodak Company Paychex Wegmans Food Markets
Smart Start Score
72

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 2,788
  • In-State Tuition $39,666
  • Zip Code 14618

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.9% โ™€ 58.1%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $28,150, the investment is comparable to many private universities but is offset by a strong 10-year median earnings of $66,944. The 73.3% graduation rate and high retention suggest a supportive environment that helps students complete their degrees, making the cost a worthwhile investment for most graduates.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

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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 $39,666
Housing (12 mo) $12,600
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $59,466
With avg financial aid:
$28,150/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.