Canisius University

Buffalo, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Canisius University has a 81.8% acceptance rate. Canisius University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Buffalo, NY, with a median SAT of 1150 and a median ACT of 28. The average net price is $17,940 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

81.8%

4,147 applicants

SAT Median

1150

Combined score

ACT Median

28

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$17,940

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Canisius University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Canisius University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)1150
ACT (composite, 1–36)28

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.7%

Retention Rate

72.6%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

1,685

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Canisius University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$12,781
$30,001 – $48,000$12,404
$48,001 – $75,000$16,151
$75,001 – $110,000$21,341
$110,000+$24,170

Top Majors at Canisius University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing76
Biological & Biomedical Sciences67
Parks, Recreation & Fitness60
Communication & Journalism42
Psychology38
Education23
Social Sciences20
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice16
Computer & Information Sciences7
English Language & Literature7

Financial Aid at Canisius University

About Canisius University

Official website: https://www.canisius.edu/

Admissions: https://www.canisius.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Canisius University

What is the acceptance rate at Canisius University?

Canisius University has an acceptance rate of 82%. it received about 4,147 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1150; the average net price is $17,940 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Canisius University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Canisius University?

Getting into Canisius University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 82% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1150. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Canisius University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Canisius University?

Admitted students at Canisius University typically have a median SAT around 1150 and a median ACT around 28. With a 82% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Canisius University?

The average net price at Canisius University is $17,940 per year after grants and scholarships. about 100% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $22,779 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Canisius University?

Canisius University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 73%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Canisius University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Canisius University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Canisius University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1150. With a 82% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Canisius University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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