BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University has once again claimed the top spot in Western New York’s higher education landscape, earning the title of “Best Local University” in The Buffalo News’ annual Best of 716 contest for the second year in a row. The back-to-back recognition reflects growing public confidence in Canisius as the region’s leading university and affirms its mission to serve as a place where students come to succeed – in the classroom, in their careers and in their communities.
The Best of 716 is a community-driven initiative that invites Western New Yorkers to nominate and vote for their favorite local institutions, organizations and businesses. Canisius competed against the State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, Niagara University and D’Youville University, among others, in the “Best Local University” category.
“To be recognized two years in a row by our community is an honor and a meaningful validation of the momentum we’re building at Canisius,” said President Steve Stoute. “This distinction affirms the vision we’ve set forth, which is to be the place where students come to succeed and where values-based leadership is formed. We are delivering on that promise and people are taking notice.”
The “Best Local University” distinction comes at a significant time for Canisius, as the university advances key initiatives focused on academic innovation, access and student support. In just the past year:
• Canisius welcomed its largest freshman class in three years (fall 2025), with a 15% increase in first-year students and a 16.6% increase in total new undergraduates.
• The Buffalo Promise Scholarship launched in fall 2024, expanding access to higher education by covering 100% of undergraduate tuition for eligible students from 142- ZIP codes.
• Construction is underway on a new Golisano Center for Student Success, a centralized hub for academic support, career development and advising – made possible by a transformational $5 million gift from philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano.
• Canisius introduced several new career-focused academic degree and advanced certificate programs to meet emerging workforce needs.
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.
