About St. John Fisher University
St. John Fisher University builds future teachers, nurses, and pharmacists through hands-on learning in Rochester's suburbs. The 2,579 students benefit from small classes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. This Catholic institution emphasizes service and community engagement alongside rigorous academics. The school's education and nursing programs have particularly strong reputations in the region, with graduates consistently finding employment in their fields.
Students pay an average net price of $28,150 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,944 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The return on investment works well for most students, especially considering the 97.9% employment rate after graduation.
The Cardinals compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports with 691 student athletes participating. Rochester students make up 95% of the student body, creating a tight regional network. The 84% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit campus community. With 58% women and strong Catholic traditions, Fisher attracts students seeking personal attention and values-based education in a suburban setting.
Students pay an average net price of $28,150 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,944 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The return on investment works well for most students, especially considering the 97.9% employment rate after graduation.
The Cardinals compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports with 691 student athletes participating. Rochester students make up 95% of the student body, creating a tight regional network. The 84% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close-knit campus community. With 58% women and strong Catholic traditions, Fisher attracts students seeking personal attention and values-based education in a suburban setting.
Academics & Faculty
St. John Fisher built its reputation around professional programs, particularly education, nursing, and pharmacy. The university's Wegmans School of Pharmacy draws students who want direct pathways into healthcare careers. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide the mentoring that helps 74% graduate within six years. The education program has deep ties to Rochester-area schools, giving future teachers hands-on classroom experience. Catholic liberal arts requirements ensure students develop critical thinking skills alongside professional training. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row. Faculty expect active participation and often incorporate service learning into coursework that reflects the university's mission-driven approach.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.4%
- Retention Rate
- 84.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,944
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,562 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,739 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $79,450 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,253 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,686 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,584 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $45,149 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,508 |
Campus Life
Fisher sits just 9 miles from downtown Rochester, giving students access to a mid-sized city without the urban chaos. The 154-acre campus houses 1,495 students, meaning about 58% of the enrollment lives on campus. Rochester winters are brutal - you'll need a serious coat for the lake-effect snow that blankets the area from November through March.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit feel where professors know your name. With 95% of students coming from New York state, the campus has a distinctly regional vibe. The Cardinals compete in 24 Division III sports, drawing 691 student-athletes who balance academics with competition. Weekend life centers around campus events and trips into Rochester for restaurants and entertainment. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture without being overwhelming - students describe it as more about community service than strict religious observance. Study groups form naturally in the library, and the semester system allows for deep dives into coursework without the rushed pace of quarters.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit feel where professors know your name. With 95% of students coming from New York state, the campus has a distinctly regional vibe. The Cardinals compete in 24 Division III sports, drawing 691 student-athletes who balance academics with competition. Weekend life centers around campus events and trips into Rochester for restaurants and entertainment. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture without being overwhelming - students describe it as more about community service than strict religious observance. Study groups form naturally in the library, and the semester system allows for deep dives into coursework without the rushed pace of quarters.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,495 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1948
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 102.0"
Student Demographics
Nearly all students come from New York state, reflecting St. John Fisher's strong reputation in the Rochester region. The student body is 58% women, which aligns with the university's popular nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution serves a mix of middle-class and working-class families. The predominantly white student population mirrors the demographics of upstate New York. Students choose Fisher for its personal attention and professional preparation in health sciences and education.
- Men
- 41.9%
- Women
- 58.1%
- White
- 80.0%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 7.2%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 95.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.2%
Location
St. John Fisher University sits in Rochester, New York, about 70 miles east of Buffalo and 340 miles northwest of New York City. Rochester anchors the Finger Lakes region, known for its post-industrial transformation into a tech and healthcare center. The university draws 95% of its students from within New York state. Rochester offers the amenities of a mid-sized city with a population around 210,000, including museums, restaurants, and professional sports teams. The Finger Lakes provide outdoor recreation opportunities just minutes from campus. The area hosts several other colleges, creating a genuine college town atmosphere despite Rochester's size. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare St. John Fisher University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rochester, New York 14618-3597
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,944
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,453
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at St. John Fisher University?
St. John Fisher University accepts 73% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Catholic university draws heavily from New York state, with 95% of students coming from in-state.
How much does St. John Fisher University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,150 after aid, below the $55,108 sticker price. The university is known for making Catholic higher education accessible, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $14,994 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at St. John Fisher University?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,579 students. St. John Fisher built its reputation on small classes and personal attention, particularly in its respected education and nursing programs.
What are the career outcomes for St. John Fisher University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $66,944 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.9% employment rate. The university's strong alumni network in Rochester helps students land jobs in education, healthcare, and business throughout upstate New York.
Where is St. John Fisher University located and what is campus life like?
The suburban Rochester campus houses 1,495 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 24 varsity sports and 691 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Cardinals emphasize both academic and athletic excellence.
Does St. John Fisher University offer athletic scholarships?
St. John Fisher University awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution. Instead, the university focuses on need-based aid, with 28% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates carrying a manageable median debt of $23,250.
