Canisius University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Canisius is accessible for many prepared applicants, so use the 72% admit rate to plan confidently rather than guess. With an average entering GPA around 3.30 and test-optional policies, your priority is showing steady classroom performance; submit SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen that picture.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Canisius University facts and stats
Canisius University is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,724 students. Canisius has a freshman retention rate of 73%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 66%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Buffalo, NY
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Key Canisius University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Canisius, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes if superscoring could help. For the December 1 Early Action deadline, an October retake is the last reliable fall test date to have scores arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Canisius is a private not-for-profit, so tuition and fees are $34,500 for all students. About 74% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $19,086. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
Canisius University’s listed tuition, fees, room and board total about $49,650 before aid. About 74% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $32,545. Merit awards are also a major part of the discount picture, averaging $19,086. Graduates leave with an average debt of $29,270.
Student life at Canisius University
44% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 1% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Flushing, NYAcceptance rate: 85%
SAT: 909–1293
ACT: 16–25
Adelphi University
Garden City, NYAcceptance rate: 65.9%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 24–30
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Acceptance rate: 100%
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