About St Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure University draws 1,892 students to a tight-knit Catholic community in rural western New York. The Bonnies are famous for their passionate basketball culture and their ability to compete against much larger schools in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Notable graduates include NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier and longtime NBC news anchor Tim Russert. With an 81% acceptance rate, the university welcomes students who might not get into more selective schools but still want a quality education.
The average net price of $27,151 makes this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable for many families. Graduates earn a median salary of $57,214 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,813 after aid. The 95.3% employment rate suggests graduates find work relatively easily after completing their degrees.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine relationships between professors and students. About three-quarters of students come from New York state, creating a regional feel despite the national basketball reputation. With 382 athletes across 15 varsity sports, nearly one in five students competes at the Division I level.
The average net price of $27,151 makes this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable for many families. Graduates earn a median salary of $57,214 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,813 after aid. The 95.3% employment rate suggests graduates find work relatively easily after completing their degrees.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine relationships between professors and students. About three-quarters of students come from New York state, creating a regional feel despite the national basketball reputation. With 382 athletes across 15 varsity sports, nearly one in five students competes at the Division I level.
Academics & Faculty
St. Bonaventure operates as a Catholic liberal arts university where the Franciscan tradition emphasizes personal growth alongside academic achievement. Students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 ratio that enables individualized attention across disciplines. The university particularly excels in journalism and mass communication, building on the legacy of notable alumnus Tim Russert. Business and education programs also draw strong enrollment among the 1,892 students. The 71.67% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment, though some students need additional time to complete degrees. Small class sizes mean professors know students by name and can provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom into career planning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.4%
- Retention Rate
- 81.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,214
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,401 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,962 |
| Journalism. | Master | $47,260 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,673 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,363 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $39,074 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $39,009 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
Campus Life
The Allegheny Mountains surround this remote campus where 85% of students live on campus, creating an inseparable college bubble two hours south of Buffalo. St. Bonaventure's 1,892 students bundle up in heavy winter coats from November through March as snow blankets the rolling hills of southwestern New York. The Franciscan campus centers around the historic Holy Name Chapel, where many of the university's Catholic traditions play out during the academic year.
Basketball dominates weekend social life when the Bonnies compete in Atlantic 10 play at the Reilly Center. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and often join them at campus events. The tight-knit community means everyone recognizes each other walking between the brick academic buildings and residence halls. Students frequently gather at Hickey Dining Hall or hang out in the Burton Hall common areas. Weekend trips to nearby Ellicottville for skiing or hiking provide popular escapes from campus, though most social activity revolves around dorm life and school-sponsored events in this quintessential small-town college setting.
Basketball dominates weekend social life when the Bonnies compete in Atlantic 10 play at the Reilly Center. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and often join them at campus events. The tight-knit community means everyone recognizes each other walking between the brick academic buildings and residence halls. Students frequently gather at Hickey Dining Hall or hang out in the Burton Hall common areas. Weekend trips to nearby Ellicottville for skiing or hiking provide popular escapes from campus, though most social activity revolves around dorm life and school-sponsored events in this quintessential small-town college setting.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,612 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 64.7"
Student Demographics
Students at St. Bonaventure come primarily from New York and surrounding areas, with 76% hailing from in-state. The school draws a predominantly white student body that reflects its rural Western New York location. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the Franciscan university serves middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. Men slightly outnumber women, partly due to strong business and sports management programs. The close-knit community of under 2,000 students creates tight bonds typical of small Catholic colleges where faith and academics intersect.
- Men
- 54.3%
- Women
- 45.7%
- White
- 77.3%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 6.5%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 75.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.7%
Location
Saint Bonaventure sits in a small town in western New York, about 70 miles southeast of Buffalo. The campus serves 1,892 students in the rolling hills of Allegany County. This remote setting creates an intimate college town atmosphere where the university dominates the local landscape. The Allegheny Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities and hiking. With 85% of students living on campus in housing that accommodates 1,612 residents, the community feels tight-knit and residential. The rural location means students often travel to nearby Olean or Buffalo for entertainment beyond campus life. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare St. Bonaventure with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Bonaventure, New York 14778-9800
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,214
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,196
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at St Bonaventure University?
St Bonaventure accepts 81% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic university. Students typically need SAT scores around 1135 and strong grades to gain admission to this close-knit Franciscan community.
How much does St Bonaventure University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,151 annually, less than the full cost of $55,950. The university provides institutional grants averaging $27,605 to help make this Catholic education more affordable for families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at St Bonaventure University?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,892 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention and reflects the Franciscan tradition of forming close relationships between professors and students.
What are typical career outcomes for St Bonaventure University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $57,214 ten years after graduation with a 95.3% employment rate. About 71% of students graduate within four years, and most manage their student debt responsibly with monthly loan payments of $276.
Where is St Bonaventure University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Saint Bonaventure, New York, creating an intimate college town atmosphere. With housing capacity for 1,612 students and 75% of students coming from in-state, the community feels tight-knit and deeply rooted in Western New York traditions.
How successful is St Bonaventure University's basketball program?
The Bonnies compete in NCAA Division I as part of the strong Atlantic 10 Conference with 15 varsity sports. The basketball program has produced NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier and remains a source of tremendous pride for this small Catholic university.
