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Canisius University

Buffalo, NY · Private Nonprofit

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81.8%
Acceptance
N/A
SAT
$41,988
Sticker Price
$16,657
Net Price*
$60,681
Earnings
2.6 yrs
Payback
4,147
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Canisius University's acceptance rate?

Up 3.1 percentage points since 2018

With a 81.8% acceptance rate, Canisius University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Canisius University?

Canisius University received 4,147 applications in 2023, up 17% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 13% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Canisius University?

Finance and Financial Management Services leads as the most popular major at Canisius University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Canisius University?

Tuition has decreased by 7% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown -4% from $43,850 to $41,988.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Canisius University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Computer Science earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $59,350 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Computer Science $59,350
$8,056 $160,116
Economics $46,087
$8,056 $160,116
Accounting and Related Service... $46,087
$8,056 $160,116
Finance and Financial Manageme... $42,961
$8,056 $160,116
International Business $41,565
$8,056 $160,116
Business Administration, Manag... $37,208
$8,056 $160,116
Communication and Media Studie... $34,157
$8,056 $160,116
Marketing $33,565
$8,056 $160,116
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Canisius University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 4,147 3,391 81.8% 12.5%
2022 4,131 3,211 77.7% 14.9%
2021 3,668 2,988 81.5% 15.3%
2020 3,453 2,625 76.0% 15.8%
2019 3,422 2,830 82.7% 19.6%
2018 3,549 2,793 78.7% 17.4%
2017 4,488 3,509 78.2% 15.8%
2016 4,620 3,597 77.9% 16.7%
2015 4,209 3,661 87.0% 16.5%

Is Canisius University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Canisius University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,681
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$18,700 $60,681 median $80,800

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $18,700 while the top 10% earn $80,800. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$46,089
Median Debt
$24,250
6-Year Graduation Rate
70.7%

How much does Canisius University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Canisius University is approximately $41,988 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$28,630
Fees
$1,600
Room & Board
$11,758
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,988

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $12,369
$30-48k income $13,719
$48-75k income $16,657
$75-110k income $20,762
$110k+ income $23,259

Which majors pay the most?

  • Computer Science $59,350
  • Economics $46,087
  • Accounting and Related Services $46,087
  • Finance and Financial Management Services $42,961
  • International Business $41,565

Who attends Canisius University?

Canisius University enrolls 2,545 students, with 6% from outside the United States. Women make up 52% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 2,545
Retention Rate 80%
International 6%
Women 52%
Race/Ethnicity
White 65%
Black 12%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 3%

How much financial aid is available?

97% of students receive some form of financial aid at Canisius University. About 27% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 97%
Avg: $21,032 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 27%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 53%
Avg: $6,141
School's Own Grants 100%
Avg: $19,416 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Canisius University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

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