Niagara University vs Canisius College

Niagara University and Canisius College, both esteemed private institutions in Western New York, offer distinct educational experiences. Niagara University, founded in 1856, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Canisius College's 65%. Niagara's student body is slightly larger, with an undergraduate population of 2,200 compared to Canisius' 1,800. While both institutions offer a diverse range of majors, Niagara excels in nursing, education, and business, while Canisius is known for its strengths in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs. With similar graduation rates hovering around 70%, both universities ensure their students are well-prepared for their chosen careers. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these institutions' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Canisius College logo

Canisius College

Niagara University logo

Niagara University

Overview

Location Buffalo, New York Niagara University, New York
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 82.0% 79.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 81.5% 92.2%
Application fees
SAT range 1050 - 1250 1050 - 1243
ACT range 24 - 31 22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 30.0% 30.0%
Students submitting ACT score 6.0% 7.0%
Total number of applicants 3,668 3,628
Total number of admissions given out 2,988 3,345
Admitted students who chose to enroll 456 625
Yield rate 15.3% 18.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $41,410 $51,880
Average net price $18,486 $18,118
Tuition $29,300 $34,400
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,118

Meal plan: $5,876
$12,400
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $21,184
100.0%
Average amount $28,234
Students receiving federal student loan 64.0%
Average amount $5,050
71.0%
Average amount $5,676
Students taking out private loans 15.0%
Average amount $12,404
15.0%
Average amount $11,109

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,866
Men 48.9% Women 51.1%
2,785
Men 35.6% Women 64.4%
Graduate students 764
Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
923
Men 33.0% Women 67.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 13.6%
International students 4.8% 20.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 835 1,402
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A New York Pennsylvania Ohio New Jersey Connecticut

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Health Professions
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 70.6% 70.5%
Dropout rate 6.7% 5.6%
Transferred out 22.5% 23.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,322
  • Year 2: $65,387
  • Year 3: $66,931
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $59,350
  • Year 3: $66,540
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,832
  • Year 2: $54,835
  • Year 3: $61,590
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $56,405
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,188
  • Year 2: $50,395
  • Year 3: $53,426
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,460
  • Year 2: $42,961
  • Year 3: $51,781
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,642
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $50,476
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,112
  • Year 2: $47,553
  • Year 3: $48,753
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,242
  • Year 2: $45,383
  • Year 3: $47,708
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,276
  • Year 2: $44,920
  • Year 3: $46,851
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,576
  • Year 2: $69,854
  • Year 3: $71,334
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,180
  • Year 2: $54,644
  • Year 3: $60,793
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $53,497
  • Year 3: $59,101
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,683
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $48,832
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,862
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $48,630
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $34,526
  • Year 3: $48,235
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,316
  • Year 2: $36,848
  • Year 3: $47,496
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,401
  • Year 2: $32,569
  • Year 3: $45,696
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,682
  • Year 2: $23,864
  • Year 3: $43,427
Hospitality Administration/Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,188
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $43,200

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic differences between Niagara University and Canisius College?

    Niagara University offers a broader range of programs, including a strong focus on hospitality and tourism management, as well as a well-regarded College of Nursing. Canisius College, rooted in the Jesuit tradition, emphasizes a strong liberal arts core curriculum and is particularly known for its programs in business, education, and pre-med studies. Both institutions offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their specializations differ.

  • How do the campus environments of Niagara University and Canisius College compare?

    Niagara University boasts a more spacious and scenic campus, located near the Niagara River and the iconic Niagara Falls, providing a unique and attractive setting. Canisius College has a more urban campus, situated in a residential area of Buffalo, New York, offering easy access to city amenities and cultural attractions. The choice depends on your preference for a more natural or urban environment.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Niagara University versus Canisius College?

    The tuition and fees at both Niagara University and Canisius College are generally comparable, though they can fluctuate slightly year to year. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fee information on each university's website. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make education more affordable.

  • How do the student populations and campus cultures differ?

    Niagara University has a slightly larger student body than Canisius College. Both schools foster a strong sense of community. Canisius College, being a Jesuit institution, emphasizes values such as service and social justice, which are reflected in its campus culture. Niagara University also has a strong community feel, with a focus on student engagement and a vibrant campus life, particularly due to its location near a major tourist destination.

  • What are the strengths of the athletic programs at Niagara University and Canisius College?

    Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Niagara University is known for its hockey program, which has a strong regional following. Canisius College has a competitive basketball program and a variety of other sports teams. The specific strengths vary by year and sport, so it's best to check the current standings and team performance if athletics are a major factor in your decision.

  • How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

    Both Niagara University and Canisius College provide robust career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and career planning. Canisius College, with its established alumni network, often provides strong connections in the Buffalo area and beyond, particularly in business and related fields. Niagara University's alumni network is also strong, with a focus on hospitality and tourism, as well as other fields. The effectiveness of the network often depends on the specific program and your individual networking efforts.

  • What are the religious affiliations of Niagara University and Canisius College?

    Canisius College is a Jesuit Catholic institution, and its values and traditions are deeply rooted in the Jesuit philosophy. Niagara University is also a Catholic institution, founded by the Vincentian Fathers. While both are Catholic, the specific religious traditions and emphasis may differ slightly. Both institutions welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds.

  • Which college is better for a student interested in hospitality and tourism?

    Niagara University is particularly well-suited for students interested in hospitality and tourism. Its location near Niagara Falls and its dedicated College of Hospitality and Tourism Management provide excellent opportunities for internships, practical experience, and career development in this field. While Canisius College does not have a specific program in this area, it may offer related courses or opportunities depending on the student's interests.

  • How accessible are the campuses for students with disabilities?

    Both Niagara University and Canisius College are committed to providing accessible campuses for students with disabilities. They offer various resources and accommodations to support students' needs. It's recommended to contact each university's disability services office directly for specific information about accessibility features and support services.

  • What are the opportunities for study abroad at Niagara University and Canisius College?

    Both Niagara University and Canisius College offer study abroad programs, providing students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and gain international experience. The specific programs and locations available may vary, so it's best to consult each university's study abroad office for detailed information on program options, application procedures, and financial aid.

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