Villa Maria College
The Vibe Check
Villa Maria College feels like a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The urban campus has a creative, hands-on energy, especially in the arts and health programs, with a family-like atmosphere that encourages personal growth. It's a place where you can build strong relationships with professors and peers in a less intimidating, intimate setting.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 955
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The college shines in practical, career-focused fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Health Professions, and Business, with a curriculum designed for real-world application. Teaching quality is high due to small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from faculty who are often working professionals in their fields. While research opportunities exist, the academic experience is more centered on experiential learning, internships, and portfolio development.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Buffalo
Buffalo offers a vibrant city life with a thriving arts scene, professional sports, and a famous food culture that students can easily explore. During warmer months, students enjoy the city's park systems, waterfront activities, and frequent festivals, while winters are embraced with cozy cafes and local events. The city's affordability and growing entertainment district provide plenty of options for fun without breaking the bank.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($38,857):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in an urban setting and has its own campus safety department, but students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The college provides safety resources like escorts and emergency call boxes, but standard city precautions are essential.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students.
- ✓ Strong focus on practical, career-oriented programs like Health Professions and Visual Arts.
- ✓ Very small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
- ✓ Significantly lower net price compared to the sticker tuition cost.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation and retention rates can indicate challenges with student persistence.
- ✗ Limited on-campus housing and a small student body may not suit those seeking a large university experience.
- ✗ Urban setting requires students to be proactive about personal safety and awareness.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Villa Maria College is primarily known for its strong programs in Visual & Performing Arts, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. It offers a hands-on, career-focused education in a small, intimate urban setting, emphasizing practical skills and personalized attention.
No, Villa Maria College is not hard to get into. It has a high acceptance rate of 86.68%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. The focus is more on finding students who are a good fit for its specialized programs rather than on selective admissions.
Campus life at Villa Maria is intimate and community-oriented due to the small enrollment of around 536 students. The urban campus offers a creative and supportive atmosphere, and while there are student activities and clubs, much of the social life extends into the city of Buffalo, which provides a wealth of entertainment and cultural options.
For many students, Villa Maria College can be a worthwhile investment. While the sticker price is high, the average net price is significantly lower at $13,980, and many students receive financial aid. The value is strongest in its career-focused programs that provide practical skills for fields with steady demand, potentially offering a good return on investment despite the lower median earnings.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 522
- In-State Tuition $28,670
- Zip Code 14225
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a net price significantly lower than the sticker tuition, the college is financially accessible for many, especially with over 60% of students receiving Pell Grants. However, the 10-year median earnings of $38,857 suggest that graduates may start with more modest salaries, so the ROI depends heavily on the chosen field. The investment can be worthwhile if you leverage the hands-on training and internships to secure a stable career in a high-demand area like healthcare or skilled trades.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.