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.
⬡ LangSmith123b8e88-aff6-41b5-9440-742bc1093aeaData 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.
⬡ LangSmith6a19bc1c-1a42-44aa-919e-8a1f03f2e3f5Buffalo, NY
How does your GPA compare at Canisius?
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.
⬡ LangSmithef49c10a-d886-4c9e-8e56-71c1c93936efWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Canisius University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
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.
⬡ LangSmith4c4e8395-c24a-493d-9254-9bdd3057ede8
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.
⬡ LangSmith386a08f9-a848-4257-afaf-809d4608c7aeStudent 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
Manhattan University
Riverdale, NYAcceptance rate: 78.9%
SAT: 1140–1330
ACT: 25–29
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PAAcceptance rate: 71%
SAT: 880–1170
ACT: 30–30
Regis College
Weston, MAAcceptance rate: 69.8%
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PAAcceptance rate: 76.8%
SAT: 980–1230
ACT: 21–27
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.