Buffalo, NY – Canisius University opened the spring 2026 semester by building on enrollment gains from fall 2025. The number of new undergraduate students enrolling this spring increased 10% over spring 2025 and 19% over spring 2024. The increase underscores the continued appeal of a Canisius education.
“We are encouraged by this growth and what it says about the value of a Canisius education,” says President Steve K. Stoute. “Our programs prepare students to lead, succeed and make a meaningful difference in their communities, and that is resonating with students and their families.”
The spring 2026 growth follows strong fall 2025 enrollment, when Canisius welcomed 567 new undergraduate students, including 456 freshmen and 111 transfer students. While the fall increase was driven largely by the university’s Buffalo Promise Scholarship, transfer students continue to contribute to the university’s enrollment momentum.
The number of transfer students entering Canisius this spring increased 41% compared to spring 2025, reflecting both increased student interest and the university’s strategic recruiting efforts.
“Over the past several years, we’ve worked to strengthen pathways for transfer students,” adds Stoute. “We’ve streamlined credit evaluation, expanded financial aid and provided dedicated advising to help students make a smooth transition to Canisius so they can focus on succeeding academically and completing their degrees on time.”
That commitment has earned Canisius national recognition. In August 2025, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society named Canisius to its Transfer Honor Roll for the second consecutive year. The Honor Roll recognizes institutions that provide strong outcomes and support for students. The university was one of just 251 higher education institutions nationwide to receive this distinction.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
