About Canisius University
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value and accessibility. While sticker price hits $47,080, the average student pays just $18,322 after aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $60,681 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $24,250 manageable with monthly payments around $257. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 seeing net costs drop to $12,369.
Buffalo's Golden Griffins compete in Division I athletics across 16 sports, giving the small campus big-time energy during basketball and hockey seasons. The 80% retention rate reflects students who find their fit quickly. With 85% of students coming from New York state, Canisius feels like a tight-knit community where Western New York values meet Jesuit ideals.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.7%
- Retention Rate
- 80.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,681
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $84,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,387 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,350 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $54,835 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $50,395 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $49,631 |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $47,553 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $45,696 |
Campus Life
Downtown Buffalo sits just minutes away, offering internship opportunities and weekend entertainment. Students frequently volunteer at local organizations, reflecting the university's motto "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" (For the Greater Glory of God). The Golden Griffins compete in 16 Division I sports, with basketball games drawing passionate crowds to the Koessler Athletic Center. With 84.5% of students coming from New York State, many already understand Buffalo's harsh winters and active food scene. Weekend activities often center around the campus or nearby Elmwood Village, known for its restaurants and shops. The small size means most students recognize each other, fostering a family-like atmosphere where traditions like the annual President's Ball bring the entire community together.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,046 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1870
Campus Safety (2023)
32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 63°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 95.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.5%
- Women
- 49.5%
- White
- 64.5%
- Black
- 12.6%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 3.2%
- In-State Students
- 84.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.8%
Location
- Address
- Buffalo, New York 14208-1098
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,681
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,294
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Canisius University?
Canisius University accepts 77.73% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050-1320 on the SAT. This Jesuit institution values both academic preparation and character in its well-rounded admissions process.
How much does Canisius University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,322 annually after aid, less than the sticker price of $47,080. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $12,369 per year. The school provides institutional grants averaging $21,215 to about 26% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Canisius University?
Canisius maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,768 students. The small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship consistent with Jesuit educational traditions. Business and education programs particularly benefit from this intimate learning environment.
What do Canisius University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $60,681 ten years after graduation, with a strong 97.9% employment rate. Graduates typically carry $24,250 in debt with monthly loan payments of $257. The school's 70.70% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success in Buffalo's growing job market.
Where do Canisius University students live on campus?
The university houses 1,046 students in residence halls, serving about 60% of the total enrollment of 1,768. Room and board costs $13,160 annually on the urban Buffalo campus. The close-knit community feel reflects both the manageable size and Catholic Jesuit mission of fostering personal growth.
Does Canisius University compete in Division I athletics?
Canisius fields 16 varsity sports teams competing as the Golden Griffins in NCAA Division I and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The university supports 419 student-athletes with $4.3 million in athletic scholarships annually. Notable alumni include NBC journalist Tim Russert, reflecting the school's tradition of developing leaders both on and off the field.
