Canisius University
About
Canisius University is a supportive community of people from all walks of life, engaged in conscientious academic, personal, and spiritual inquiry. Griffs learn how to think more deeply, create more boldly, dare more courageously, and live more compassionately, developing the skills and confidence to take the lead in their chosen field, career, and community.
Introduction
Canisius University is a supportive community of people from all walks of life, engaged in conscientious academic, personal, and spiritual inquiry. Griffs learn how to think more deeply, create more boldly, dare more courageously, and live more compassionately, developing the skills and confidence to take the lead in their chosen field, career, and community.
Who We Are
We take the best in every student – and make it that much greater. We believe that greatness is in everyone, and as each individual flourishes, the world benefits. Our rigorous curriculum, vibrant and inclusive campus environment, and professional and community connections create a transformative educational experience that goes deeper than imparting necessary skills and knowledge. Griffs know how to think and how to lead, making them not only well-positioned to succeed in an ever-changing job market but also well-equipped to change the world.
Canisius at a Glance
- Founded: 1870 in Buffalo, NY
- Affiliation: Jesuit
- Students: 2,492
- Accredited schools and colleges: 3
- Majors, minors, and degree programs: 100+
- Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Percent of classes taught by faculty: 100%
- NCAA Division-I teams: 20
- Student-run clubs and organizations: 60+
- Alumni: 50,000+ worldwide
What We Stand For
- We are sensitive to the challenges that the world faces. As a university, we have the power to address injustice by expanding access to our transformative education, advancing equity, and producing new knowledge that advances humanity. And when our students graduate, they go on to meaningfully impact the areas that call out to them.
- Our community is respectful, creative, and tightly knit. Here, we cherish and challenge the individual, making space and providing support for everyone to discover their passions, articulate their purpose and become the greatest version of themselves.
- We are determined to make a difference. We understand that doing things the way that they have always been done only perpetuates the status quo and that there is no progress without action. Motivated by a vision of what could and should be, we move forward fearlessly.
- We see and respect every individual as a whole person. Every Griff, whether they’re a faculty member, staff person, or a student, plays a role in every other Griff’s development. When we lift each other up, we all reach even greater heights.
Campus Features
Canisius is located in the Hamlin Park district, a historic and conveniently-located residential neighborhood in north-central Buffalo. Spanning 72 total acres, the campus is comprised of 16 academic and administrative buildings, three athletic complexes, and 11 residence halls. Over the past two decades, more than $175 million has been invested to create a state-of-the-art living and learning environment – including the newly renovated Science Hall, the Nelson D. Civello ’67 Family Financial Markets Lab, and Dugan Hall, our newest residence hall. We are an easily walkable campus – even in the winter months thanks to a network of tunnels that snake underground connecting residence halls to our student center and main academic buildings.
Canisius’ prime location provides the ideal backdrop for a student’s university experience. We are within walking distance to Delaware Park, the city’s most popular greenspace, a short bike ride or drive to the Elmwood Village, a bustling cultural district, and a 10-minute train ride to historic Allentown or to Buffalo’s stunning and redeveloped downtown waterfront. Canisius is also within driving distance of exciting international destinations, including Niagara Falls and Toronto, and is within a day’s drive or hour-long flight from most major cities in the northeast.
Admissions
How to Apply
Where can I apply?
Complete our application either with our Canisius Application or through Common App.
What do I need to complete my application?
You will need to submit your completed application, high school transcript, essay, and letters of recommendation.
Are ACT or SAT scores required?
No, Canisius does not require test scores for our application.
International Freshman Students
A freshman student is defined as a student who has the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and has never attended a Canisius University or university.
Freshman Application Requirements:
1. Completed application (Canisius University App or Common App) and personal essay
2. Secondary school transcripts that show all courses taken from 9th - 12th grade (the last four years of secondary school) and corresponding marks received. Transcripts must be certified originals in English.
- 9th grade is part of high school in the U.S. which is why we require these transcripts. We recognize that this may mean students are sending their final year of a lower secondary school transcript.
- If you are unable to provide an official translated copy of your transcript in English, we are only able to accept translated transcripts from a NACES-accredited organization.
3. Two to three letters of recommendation (one must be from a school counselor or teacher)
4. English Language Proficiency (ELP) test scores.
*Canisius University does not require freshmen applying for the Fall 2023 semester to submit standardized test scores. However, students may choose to submit standardized test scores to fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirement.
Timeline:
Early action deadline is December 1st. Applications will then be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed periodically afterwards.**
**International applicants, with the exception of Canadian students, are encouraged to submit a completed application and all supplemental materials for review at least 6 months prior to the start date of the semester you are applying for. This is recommended to allow time for the visa application process.
English Language Proficiency Testing Requirements
Canisius is committed to reviewing applicants holistically. Although we are a test-optional institution, we require students to submit official test scores for English language proficiency. Below you will find the English language tests we accept and the recommended score.
Test Recommended Score
- TOEFL iBT: * 79
- TOEFL PBT: * 550
- IELTS: 6.5+ Overall
- SAT: 560+ Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score
- ACT: 42+ English and Reading Test Sections Combined
- Duolingo English Test: 105
- ELS: Level 112+
- PTE: 65+ Academic Score
- GTEC: 1200
- CAEL: 70+ Overall
*In addition to TOEFL iBT and PBT, Canisius University also accepts TOEFL iBT Paper Edition and TOEFL Essentials.
Visa Requirements
Once you have been accepted to Canisius University and submitted both your Certificate of Finance and corresponding financial support documents, as well as a copy of your passport ID page, the Office of International Student Programs can issue an I-20 to you. You will receive an email with the electronic copy of your Form I-20 so that you may schedule your student visa appointment.
Rankings
Overall Quality
We’re proud to be consistently ranked among the best colleges and universities in the Northeast.
- Top 25 America's Best Colleges - Regional Universities North (US News & World Report)
- 4-Star Best College in America (Money Magazine)
Value
Our combination of exceptional academics, personalized paths, and strong outcomes makes us the Best Value school. The rankings take into account an institution’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for students who receive the average level of need-based financial aid.
- Ranked Best Value School 7 Years Straight - Regional Universities North (US News & World Report)
- Top 10 Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities North
Academic Excellence
Thanks to the high caliber of our teaching and the personal attention students receive, we’re able to deliver a consistently exceptional academic experience.
- Top 7% Undergraduate Accounting
- Top 7% Undergraduate Finance
- Top 6 Undergraduate Teaching Rankings - North
- #1 Private Undergraduate Business Program in Western New York
Social Mobility
Access to premier private education includes making sure students thrive and complete their degrees. This top social mobility ranking reflects our success in ensuring students from low-income families can graduate on time.
- #1 Top Performers on Social Mobility among Private Schools in Western New York 2022