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Canisius University

Buffalo, NY·Private nonprofit·1,768 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

82%
Accept
1,768
Students
$18,322
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$51,100
Earnings
10 yr
$19,000
Debt

About This School

Canisius University is a private nonprofit institution located in Buffalo, New York with approximately 1,768 undergraduate students enrolled. Canisius University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 82%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,322 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, and the typical graduate earns $51,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Canisius University is a private Jesuit university in Buffalo, New York. It was founded in 1870 by Jesuits from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. Canisius offers more than a hundred undergraduate majors and minors, and around thirty-four master's and certificate programs.

The numbers tell a reasonably encouraging story here — at $18,322/year average net price and a median debt of just $19,000 at graduation, this Jesuit school in Buffalo is genuinely affordable for a private university. The 71% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, meaning about 3 in 10 students who start don't finish, which is worth asking the school about directly. Median earnings of $51,100 a decade out are solid given the low debt load, making this a worthwhile option if you're drawn to a small, values-driven campus and want to keep borrowing manageable.

Founded
1870
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing24%
Biological Sciences18%
Communications9%
Psychology9%
Social Sciences6%
Computer Science4%
Education4%
English1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Beth PhoenixJoe GrifasiAnne BurrellDominic Mai Thanh LươngJohnny McCarthy

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,720
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,720
Avg Net Price
$18,322
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$19,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White65%
Black13%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,768 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Canisius University

2001 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14208-1098

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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