Canisius University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Buffalo, New York with 1,685 undergraduates. It admits 72% of applicants, costs an average of $18,178 a year after grants and graduates 61% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Canisius University acceptance rate and admissions
Canisius University admitted 72% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Canisius University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Dec 1, 2026 |
| Regular decision | Jul 25, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early action, Dec 1, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Canisius University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Canisius University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $35,880 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,030 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $45,546 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $18,178 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $18,178 a year after grants and scholarships, $27,368 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Canisius University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Canisius University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 61% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $63,820 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $22,248 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 35% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Canisius University majors and what graduates earn
Canisius University awarded bachelor's degrees in 42 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from accounting ($82,563).
All 42 majors at Canisius University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Canisius University
22 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 22 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 52 | $55,039 | $30,835 |
| Business administration | Master's | 42 | $71,250 | $20,500 |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 33 | $53,698 | $41,000 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 30 | n/a | $120,858 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 22 | $59,026 | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 20 | $54,785 | $36,246 |
| Accounting | Master's | 18 | $65,956 | $10,348 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | Master's | 17 | $49,202 | $40,780 |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 17 | $51,431 | $58,532 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 13 | $55,318 | n/a |
| Business analytics and operations research | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Security Science and Technology | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Applied mathematics | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Nutrition Sciences | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Health professions, general | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Education | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Health administration | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,685 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 51% women, 49% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large city
- Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Canisius University?
Canisius University admitted 72% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Canisius University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $35,880. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $18,178 a year in 2024-25.
Is Canisius University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Canisius University reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Canisius University?
61% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Canisius University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $63,820 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in New York · colleges in Buffalo · Canisius University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.