Niagara University

Lewiston, New York, United States · Est. 1856 · Private University

Catholic liberal arts university in Lewiston, NY, rooted in Vincentian values and Division I athletics.

  • Founded November 21, 1856 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians)
  • Private Catholic university with ~4,033 students (2,692 undergrad, 1,341 postgrad)
  • Located in Lewiston, New York; suburban campus
  • 85+ undergraduate majors and 25+ graduate programs across five colleges
  • NCAA Division I athletics (19 sports); Purple Eagles compete in MAAC and Atlantic Hockey America
  • Ranked #1 Best Value in the North by US News (2024–2025); tied 30th overall Regional Universities North

Academics

Niagara University offers over 85 undergraduate majors and 25+ graduate degree programs across five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Holzschuh College of Business Administration, College of Education, College of Nursing, and College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. The university emphasizes liberal arts education with general education requirements across all programs. The Holzschuh College of Business is AACSB-accredited since 2001. Niagara also operates programs in Ontario, Canada, including a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Education and Master's degrees in education, business administration, finance, and information security.

Campus & Student Life

The suburban campus in Lewiston hosts approximately 4,033 students, with roughly half living on campus. The Castellani Art Museum houses over 5,000 artworks and serves as Niagara County's only collecting museum. The university operates the Kiernan Center fitness facility and sponsors 19 Division I sports teams, plus numerous club sports and intramural programs. The Niagara University Theatre has been producing shows since 1964, and the campus features the B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences and other modern facilities.

Admissions

For 2023, Niagara had a 90% acceptance rate. The university does not require SAT or ACT scores but considers high school transcripts, evidence of past performance, and recommendations. The average admitted student had a 3.63 high school GPA; those submitting test scores had a median SAT range of 1030–1240 or ACT 24–28. Niagara offers rolling admissions with decisions typically issued within 3–4 weeks. The university welcomes transfer, international, Canadian, and graduate students.

Outcomes & Recognition

According to the official website, 97% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year. Niagara was ranked #1 Best Value in the North by US News & World Report in 2024 and 2025, and tied 30th overall among Regional Universities North. Money Magazine recognized it as the best college in the Buffalo-Niagara region for value (2017), and Kiplinger's ranked it 82nd among private university values. The university's endowment stands at $111 million (FY2022).

Founded
1856
Type
Private University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationRoman Catholic (Vincentians / Congregation of the Mission)
Websitehttps://www.niagara.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$56.2K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources