Buffalo, NY – Canisius University welcomed its largest freshman class in three years when students moved onto campus Friday, August 22 for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. A total of 567 new undergraduate students are enrolled at Canisius this fall, including 456 freshmen and 111 transfer students. The freshman class represents a 15% increase over last year’s incoming class. Combined with transfers, the number of new undergraduates is up 16.6 percent compared to fall 2024.
“We are encouraged by this growth and the momentum it represents for the university,” said Vice President for Enrollment Danielle Ianni, PhD. “A Canisius education prepares students to lead, succeed and make a meaningful difference in their communities, and that’s clearly resonating with students and their families.”
Full-Tuition Scholarship Makes College Affordable
Much of the growth in the freshman class is attributed to the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, which launched in fall 2024 to expand access to a Canisius education for local students. The scholarship covers 100 percent of undergraduate tuition for eligible students from 142- ZIP codes and whose household adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less. In its pilot year, more than 1,000 prospective undergraduates applied for admission to Canisius from the 142- ZIP code; 327 were awarded a Buffalo Promise Scholarship after completion of the financial aid process; and 128 students committed to Canisius for fall 2025.
“We know that a Canisius education is transformative, opening doors to opportunities that set students up for long-term success,” said Canisius University President Steve Stoute. “With the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, we are breaking down barriers so that all qualified local students can access that experience. The strong interest this year demonstrates the impact these opportunities can have, and we are proud to welcome the first class of Buffalo Promise Scholars this fall.”
Best Colleges for Transfer Students
Also contributing to the growth of new undergraduate students are 111 transfer students who chose Canisius this fall. The university has prioritized transfer student support and success, streamlining transfer credit evaluation, providing merit-based financial aid and connecting students with academic resources to ensure they graduate on time. This focus on transfer student success earned recognition from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which named Canisius to its Transfer Honor Roll for the second consecutive year. Canisius was among just 251 institutions nationwide to receive this honor.
“This year’s strong enrollment numbers demonstrate the impact of our strategic focus on academic excellence, student success and community engagement,” added President Stoute. “We are building something special here at Canisius and this incoming class will be part of that legacy.”
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.
