Canisius University
- Graduation Rate
- 69% B-
- Solid completion rate — most students graduate
- Earnings (10yr)
- $60,681 A-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $17,940 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 72% C+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A B- overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 24.5× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $24.5 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $24.5 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,682,920.
What The Data Says
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A B- overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
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Earnings 49% above the national college median.
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Social mobility rate of 2.36% — an engine of upward economic mobility.
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Every $1 invested returns $24.5 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why Canisius University Matters
Canisius University is a private university in Buffalo, NY and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network and a strong record of moving students up the income ladder. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 1,685
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- 30
- Primary Strengths
- Biology & Biomedical, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Communications
Why students choose Canisius University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Competitive — admits about 72% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $17,940 a year after grants and scholarships — 5% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $60,681 ten years after enrolling — 49% above the typical college, against $24,250 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 2.4% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 19% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.49 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
Canisius University is a great fit for students looking for a close-knit community with a focus on practical skills. With an acceptance rate of 72%, it welcomes a diverse range of students. Those studying here often dive into programs like Business and Marketing, Biology and Biomedical studies, Communications, Psychology, and Education. This variety allows students to tailor their education to their career goals while benefiting from a supportive environment.
After graduation, Canisius alumni see an average earning of $60,681 within ten years, which is a solid figure that reflects the value of their degrees. Many graduates find themselves moving into meaningful roles in their fields, thanks in part to the practical experience they gain during their studies. The affordability of attending Canisius is also noteworthy, making it a viable option for many students looking to balance cost with a quality education.
When considering the financial aspects, the net price after aid stands at $17,940, which is manageable for many. While the median debt for graduates is $24,250, it’s essential to keep in mind that many students thrive here, especially those who take advantage of the university's strong academic programs and career support services. This combination of support and affordability helps create a pathway to success for Canisius graduates.
Rankings
- #11 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in New York
- #13 Best Biology Colleges in New York
- #13 Best MBA Programs in New York
- #17 Best Communications Colleges in New York
- #18 Best Education Colleges in New York
- #25 Best Online Colleges in New York
- #25 Best Business Colleges in New York
- #31 Best Bachelor's Programs in New York
Can I Get In?
How selective Canisius University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Canisius University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Buffalo, New York, Canisius University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 72%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 28. The graduation rate is roughly 69%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Retention Rate
- 73%
- ACT Midpoint
- 28
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $8,691
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.57
- First-Gen Students
- 23%
- Applicants
- 4,131
- Admitted
- 3,211
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Canisius University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Canisius University is $34,500, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $17,940. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,781 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,250 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $34,500
- Out-of-State
- $34,500
- Avg Net Price
- $17,940
- Median Debt
- $24,250
- Pell Grant Rate
- 32%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 53%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $12,781
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $12,404
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $16,151
- Family Income $110K+
- $24,170
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Canisius University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Canisius University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Canisius University earn a median of $60,681, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $46,089
- 8 Years
- $55,431
- 10 Years
- $60,681
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.4x
- Earning > $25K
- 72%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (386)
- 64%
- 100% (386)
- 64%
- 100% (386)
- 64%
- 100% (386)
- 64%
How Canisius Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Canisius University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Canisius University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $17,940/year ($71,760 total). Graduates earn $60,681 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,754,680 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,682,920 (24.5× your investment). The median debt is $24,250, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 69% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $71,760
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,754,680
- Net Return
- $1,682,920
- ROI Multiple
- 24.5×
- Cost Per Year
- $17,940
- Median Debt
- $24,250
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 69%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Canisius University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Canisius University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.36%, among the highest in the country. About 7.1% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 33.1% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $94,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 2.36%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 33.1%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 7.1%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $127,985
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $7,493,196
- Investment Income
- $7,323,595
Top Programs
The fields Canisius University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Biology & Biomedical 19% $31,312 early-career
- Business & Marketing 18% $54,760 early-career
- Psychology 9% $31,312 early-career
- Communications 7% $40,585 early-career
- Social Sciences 6% $54,760 early-career
- Education 6% $100,584 early-career
- Criminal Justice 4% $39,121 early-career
- English & Literature 2% $29,935 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Canisius University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- B-Optometrist$131,860 · 9% growthResilient 96
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Canisius University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Buffalo, New York, Canisius University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 72%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 28. The graduation rate is roughly 69%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Canisius University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Canisius University is $34,500, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $17,940. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,781 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,250 in federal student loans.
Is Canisius University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Canisius University earn a median of $60,681, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Canisius University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Canisius University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.36%, among the highest in the country. About 7.1% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 33.1% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $94,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Canisius University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Canisius University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.49, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Canisius University.
- St. Mary's College of MarylandSt. Mary's City, MD · Close peer69% grad $60,110 earn 69% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Simmons UniversityBoston, MA · Close peer72% grad $63,494 earn 70% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Daemen UniversityAmherst, NY · Close peer59% grad $61,808 earn 68% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of MaryBismarck, ND · Close peer67% grad $60,909 earn 75% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- North Park UniversityChicago, IL · Close peer57% grad $59,572 earn 69% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- McDaniel CollegeWestminster, MD · Close peer64% grad $60,663 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Canisius University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Canisius University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.49, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note