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A Transformative Jesuit Education at Buffalo’s Canisius College


Canisius College - College Fair Guide

Located in Buffalo, New York’s second-largest city, Canisius College is a private master’s-level institution ranked among the top regional colleges and universities in the Northeast. As one of 27 Catholic, Jesuit colleges in the U.S. — and the only Jesuit college in Western New York — Canisius is grounded in a centuries-old tradition of intellectual inquiry, inspired leadership and service to others. Students benefit from a challenging, transformative education that blends both liberal arts and pre-professional academic programs.

A Holistic, Personal Approach

Canisius educates the whole person — intellectually, ethically and spiritually — through an approach that is holistic, collaborative and highly personal. Central to the College’s mission are the Jesuit values of cura personalis (care for the whole person), magis (the pursuit of excellence) and a commitment to social justice by being “for and with others.” Students are encouraged to stand in solidarity with others, especially the poor and the marginalized. In addition to coursework that challenges their preconceptions and expands their worldview, students can participate in an array of local and international service-immersion projects through the Office of Campus Ministry.

Thanks to an average class size of 19 and a student–faculty ratio of 11-to-1, a Canisius education is also highly personal. Professors and advisers get to know students on a personal level, both in the classroom and around the campus. As a result, the opportunities for individualized academic paths and hands-on learning are unmatched. Students majoring in science, for instance, can partner with faculty on intensive research projects not typically available at the undergraduate level. The College provides more than 100 annual research stipends to students in a variety of majors through the Canisius Earning Excellence Program.

Local and National Acclaim

Canisius is among the top one-third of colleges ranked nationally and the top Western New York institution on Money magazine’s 2019 list of “Best Colleges For Your Money.” (The publication ranks more than 700 schools based on 27 measures of educational quality, affordability and alumni success.) U.S. News & World Report places Canisius College in the top 25 of regional universities in the North in its 2019 ranking of “America’s Best Colleges,” and in the top 10 regional universities in its “Best Value” category.

The College’s Richard J. Wehle School of Business has also earned national acclaim. U.S. News & World Report ranks Canisius’ business programs 5th in the nation among private institutions with tuition under $30,000 in its 2019 ranking of “Best Undergraduate Business Programs.” When compared to other business programs offered by more than 400 institutions nationwide, Canisius’ accounting program has been ranked in the top 10 percent, and finance in the top 5 percent for two consecutive years.

Impressive Outcomes

Canisius offers its future graduates significant pre-professional advantages, including access to high-profile internships, a network of 50,000 active alumni, and partnerships with 3,600 companies and organizations. For the past six years, Canisius pre-health students have achieved a nearly 90 percent acceptance rate to medical and dental schools. For the past eight years, Canisius pre-law students have been accepted to law programs at a similar rate. The College also tops the list for undergraduate business, achieving exceptional outcomes for in-demand fields such as finance and accounting.

Global Experiences

Canisius students can enrich their learning through a number of short- and long-term travel experiences that take them across the country and around the globe. Through the College’s longstanding partnerships with 21 universities in 13 countries, students are able to pursue special semester-long and summer study-abroad programs. Students can also participate in international travel opportunities specific to their academic coursework. Service-immersion trips are organized through the Office of Campus Ministry.

A Centrally Located Campus

From The New York Times to The Times of London, Buffalo has been earning rave reviews for its vibrant waterfront, historic architecture and affordable lifestyle. Canisius is proud to be part of the city’s ongoing resurgence. Located in the historic Hamlin Park neighborhood, the campus gives students easy access to the best the city has to offer — nearby Delaware Park, the eclectic Elmwood Village, the bustling Hertel Avenue shops and restaurants, the Canalside district and much more. It’s because of this prime urban location, along with local alumni connections, that Canisius students enjoy some of the most coveted internships in the city.

To learn more about the undergraduate experience at Canisius, explore the interactive brochure at canisius.edu/viewbook. For information or to schedule a tour, go to canisius.edu/visit or email admissions@canisius.edu.

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