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Niagara University

Niagara University, NY·Private nonprofit·2,653 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

87%
Accept
2,653
Students
$17,248
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$45,300
Earnings
10 yr
$25,475
Debt

About This School

Niagara University is a private nonprofit institution located in Niagara University, New York with approximately 2,653 undergraduate students enrolled. Niagara University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,248 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $45,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Niagara University (NU) is a private Catholic university in Lewiston, New York, United States. Based in the Vincentian tradition, it is run by the Congregation of the Mission and enrolls approximately 3,700 students. Approximately half of the student body lives on campus, while the other half commute from the surrounding area. The campus area was listed as a census-designated place in 2020, with a population of 940.

This Catholic university in Lewiston, NY offers a genuinely affordable path — the average net price of $18,740/year and median debt of just $20,312 are real strengths — making it worth considering for students who need to keep costs manageable. The 70% graduation rate and 81% freshman retention suggest a decent but not exceptional track record of seeing students through to the finish line, so it's worth asking what support structures exist for students who struggle. Median earnings of $45,300 a decade out are modest, though the low debt load helps keep that equation from being painful.

Founded
1856
Setting
Large suburb
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$9,724

Popular Programs

Education36%
Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions10%
Social Sciences8%
Psychology4%
Biological Sciences4%
Computer Science3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John O'HaraWilliam J. DonovanCalvin MurphyJoe ArlauckasJim HuttonJohn KatkoHubie BrownMichael J. McGivneyVenla HoviLarry CostelloEric GaleTremmell Darden

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1168
Reading 75th %ile625
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,345
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,345
Avg Net Price
$17,248
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,564
$30–48k$11,510
$48–75k$17,322
$75–110k$20,355
$110k+$22,990

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

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$25,475

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$25,475
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$39,300
Female graduates$35,400

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

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$25,475
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

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

White55%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian2%
Two or more races2%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International25%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,653 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Niagara University

5795 Lewiston Road

Niagara University, NY 14109

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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