Canisius University
Buffalo, New York · Private
Canisius University admitted 73% of 4,098 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). Test scores aren’t considered (test blind). 71% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Canisius University
Enter a score to see whether Canisius University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It doesn’t look at test scores, so this uses the admit rate (73%) alone.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Canisius University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early action
- December 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- July 25, 2027
The application is free. Canisius University asks for the Common App personal essay.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Canisius University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Canisius University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
317 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 71 took it, and 9 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Canisius University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
Considered
- Class rank
- Interview
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Test scores
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.52 GPA. 21% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $48,580 a year. After grants, students paid $19,321 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Canisius University’s acceptance rate?
Canisius University admitted 73% of applicants: 3,001 of 4,098 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Canisius University’s early action deadline?
For 2026–27, early action is due December 1, 2026 and regular decision is due July 25, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
How much is Canisius University’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Canisius University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Canisius University asks for the Common App personal essay.
Does Canisius University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Canisius University asks 2 questions of its own on top of the main essay (two optional answers: an activity and a personal essay on any topic, up to 250 words each). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Not sure which colleges fit?
A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.
Writing your essays? See Canisius University’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.