Canisius College Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Graduation Rate & More

Lyons Hall at Canisius College
Lyons Hall at Canisius College ( more photos). Photo Credit: Michael MacDonald
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated September 12, 2017

Canisius College Admissions Overview:

Canisius admits around 78% of those who apply each year, making it open to the majority of applicants. Students need to submit scores from the SAT or ACT when applying. To apply, students must submit an application--either through the school, or with the Common Application (more on that below). Additional materials include high school transcripts, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. Interested students should check out the school's website for more information, and to contact the school with any questions.

Explore the Campus:

Admissions Data (2016):

Canisius College Description:

Canisius College is a private Jesuit college located on a 72-acre campus in Buffalo, New York. The college has an 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio and values close interaction between students and their instructors. Undergraduates can choose from over 70 academic programs. Business fields are particularly popular, and Canisius students can earn their MBA through a five-year dual-degree program. The college also has a collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology so that students can study fashion merchandising. High achieving students should check out the Honors Program for small classes, one-on-one work with faculty members, and special travel opportunities. In athletics, most teams of the Canisius College Golden Griffins compete in the NCAA Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Popular sports include ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 3,734 (2,595 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 48% Male / 52% Female
  • 95% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $35,424
  • Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $13,022
  • Other Expenses: $1,500
  • Total Cost: $50,946

Canisius College Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 99%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 99%
  • Loans: 71%
  • Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $26,003
  • Loans: $8,735

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Finance, History, Marketing, Physical Education, Psychology

Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 83%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 64%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 71%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Lacrosse, Ice Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field
  • Women's Sports: Rowing, Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming and Diving, Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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Canisius and the Common Application

Canisius College uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you: