Canisius College

The largest private university in western New York

At Canisius College, issues are explored on a deep level. You’ll tackle the big questions about life and death, good and evil, wealth and poverty—and you’ll be supported as you search for answers. You’ll learn how to think, not what to think. You’ll develop core skills that’ll help you adapt to any career shift or life situation. And perhaps most important of all, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on what kind of person you want to be—beyond what kind of degree you’ll earn. Located in Buffalo, New York, Canisius College is a premier private college that consistently ranks among the top regional institutions in the Northeast. Since 1870, Canisius has been preparing students for lives of scholarship, service, and leadership.

Unlimited learning opportunities
Students at Canisius can choose from more than 100 majors, minors, specializations, and pre-professional programs. Styles of instruction include lively discussions and lectures. Students are challenged to discover and debate practical and ethical issues. They enjoy collaborations with faculty as they conduct research or work on special projects. Our students study animal behavior up close just blocks away from campus at the Buffalo Zoo and examine trends for international trade along the US-Canadian border. Learning environments expand beyond Buffalo as well, with study abroad travel opportunities in a variety of countries.

Flexible academic programs allow students to match courses with their strengths and interests. Some even combine different areas for a dual or triple major. Students who aren’t sure what they want to study can go through the Pathfinders Academic Exploration Program. Every student at Canisius is encouraged to create their own unique academic path.

A Catholic, Jesuit tradition
Canisius is a private liberal arts institution grounded in the Jesuit tradition. A high priority is placed on inquiry and intellectual growth. The varied learning experiences are world-affirming and focus on educating the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Students are taught to think critically about their place in and responsibilities to the world. In keeping with the Jesuit tradition, Canisius College exemplifies the phrase “men and women for and with others.” Service learning courses put students in neighborhood settings where they can expand on their classroom learning and give back to the community. During semester breaks, groups of students and faculty embark on service-immersion trips around the country and throughout the world. Recent trips have included Appalachia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico, and Poland.

Our staff and faculty encourage students to strive for magis, a Latin term meaning “more.” Through the core curriculum, service, and reflection, students are asked to give more of who they are. The goal is to grow as an individual and help develop the community around you.

Home away from home
When Canisius students aren’t working hard, they take advantage of opportunities to play hard. The College is home to the Golden Griffins, with 20 NCAA Division I athletic teams and 29 club and intramural sports. There are also over 90 student-run clubs and organizations on campus.

Buffalo is home to professional football and hockey teams, a minor league baseball team, and a world-champion lacrosse team. An easy walk takes students to Delaware Park, one of Frederick Law Olmsted’s most beautiful parks, where students can bike, play tennis, golf, or rent boats on scenic Hoyt Lake. With shopping, restaurants, theaters, world-renowned art galleries, and live music just a subway ride away, students will soon learn why Buffalo is one of the best midsized cities for college. 

Canisius offers comfortable and spacious suites and apartment-style residence halls. Students can choose from a wide range of meal options at the dining halls and campus snack bars, which include Tim Hortons and Starbucks.

Canisius looks for students who are passionate, motivated, hardworking, and interested in making a difference in the world around them.