Independent Catholic university in Rochester, NY, known for liberal arts, professional schools, and community engagement.
St. John Fisher University comprises five accredited schools offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors and diverse master's and doctoral programs. The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest, providing over 20 disciplines. Professional schools include the Wegmans School of Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy, established 2006), Wegmans School of Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP), Ralph C. Wilson Jr. School of Education (teacher certification and advanced degrees), and the School of Business (AACSB-accredited). The university emphasizes small class sizes, personal faculty attention, and liberal arts education combined with career-oriented training.
The 154-acre suburban campus in Pittsford features modern facilities including Growney Stadium (football, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse), Manning & Napier Varsity Gymnasium (basketball), Dugan Yard (baseball), and the Polisseni Track and Field Complex. Student life includes 25 varsity athletic teams competing in NCAA Division III (Empire 8 conference), numerous clubs and organizations, Greek life, and service initiatives. The iconic Teddi Dance for Love, a 24-hour dance marathon since 1983, has raised over $1.8 million for Camp Good Days. The university hosts the Buffalo Bills' NFL summer training camp annually since 2000.
Fisher welcomes motivated students through standard admissions pathways. The university emphasizes community building through orientation programs like Great Beginnings, which includes iFisher (iPad distribution to all on-campus undergraduates). Financial aid is administered through the Office of Student Financial Services, with FAFSA (federal code 002821) as the primary application. The university offers scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and veteran benefits to support affordability.
Fisher graduates are recognized for success and community impact across the region and nation. The university holds Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report (142 overall, 2025-26), Washington Monthly (147, 2025), and featured in Forbes, The Princeton Review, and Wall Street Journal rankings. Notable alumni include billionaire Edward Stack (Dick's Sporting Goods CEO), sports executive Russ Brandon (XFL President), and numerous public servants and professionals.