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Canisius University

Buffalo, NY·Private nonprofit·1,685 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.

72%
Accept
1,685
Students
$17,940
Net Price
66%
Grad Rate
$51,100
Earnings
10 yr
$24,250
Debt

About This School

Canisius University is a private nonprofit institution located in Buffalo, New York with approximately 1,685 undergraduate students enrolled. Canisius University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 72%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,940 per year. The graduation rate is 66%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,691

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Biological Sciences18%
Communications11%
Psychology10%
Education6%
Social Sciences5%
Computer Science2%
Health Professions0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Beth PhoenixJoe GrifasiAnne BurrellDominic Mai Thanh LươngJohnny McCarthy

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,500
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,500
Avg Net Price
$17,940
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$12,781
$30–48k$12,404
$48–75k$16,151
$75–110k$21,341
$110k+$24,170

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants32%
Median debt at graduation$24,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
66%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$40,200
Female graduates$36,000

Gap: 10% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

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

White64%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian4%
Two or more races4%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,685 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Canisius University

2001 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14208-1098

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

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.
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