Canisius University

Buffalo, New York, United States · Est. 1870 · Private University

Jesuit university in Buffalo offering 100+ majors and strong professional outcomes in business, healthcare, and STEM.

  • Founded 1870 by German Jesuits; became Canisius University in 2023
  • 2,451 students (1,724 undergrad, 727 postgrad) on 72-acre urban Buffalo campus
  • Private Jesuit Catholic institution; NCAA Division I athletics (MAAC, Atlantic Hockey)
  • 100+ undergraduate majors/minors; 30+ graduate programs; 11:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Ranked #21 regional university (North) by US News 2022; #1 CPA exam pass rate in NYS
  • Strong outcomes: 91% employment within 1 year; 95% MBA placement; $118k mid-career salary

Academics

Canisius offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors alongside 30+ graduate and certificate programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education, NCATE, and AACSB. Notable strengths include accounting (ranked top 10% nationally), finance (top 25), and pre-health professions through the George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center, which maintains partnerships with University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. All classes are taught by faculty, and the institution emphasizes a liberal arts core curriculum.

Campus & Student Life

The 72-acre urban campus in Buffalo features Christ the King Chapel (1951), the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library, Churchill Academic Tower, and the Koessler Athletic Center with swimming pool and gymnasiums. Students engage with 60+ clubs and organizations, Greek life (Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Kappa Psi), and student media including The Griffin newspaper and The WIRE radio station. The university sponsors 20 NCAA Division I teams competing in the MAAC and Atlantic Hockey Conference, with notable recent achievements including men's ice hockey Atlantic Hockey Championship (2013) and women's lacrosse MAAC titles (2010–2014).

Admissions & Support

Canisius welcomes undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and international students. The Canisius Computes initiative provides every incoming student with a MacBook Air. The Buffalo Promise Scholarship covers 100% tuition for eligible students. The Golisano Center for Student Success and Academic Exploration Program (Pathfinders) support student development. The university maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and offers extensive internship, research, and study abroad opportunities.

Outcomes & Recognition

Canisius graduates achieve strong employment outcomes: 91% find jobs in their field within one year, and MBA graduates report 95% placement within six months. The university has been ranked a best value by US News for 10 consecutive years and ranks in the top 10% nationally for undergraduate accounting. Alumni include notable figures in business (Aetna CEO John Rowe), journalism (Emmy-winning anchor Todd McDermott), government (US Representatives, Federal Judges), and sports (NHL and NBA players). The institution reports 50,000+ living alumni worldwide.

Founded
1870
Type
Private University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationCatholic (Jesuit)
Websitehttp://www.canisius.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$60.7K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources