Buffalo, NY – In 2025, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center noted transfer enrollment from two-year to four-year institutions increased 7.6% since 2022, a trend mirrored at Canisius University, which began the spring 2026 semester with strong momentum as new undergraduate enrollment rose 10% over spring 2025 and 19% over spring 2024, including 111 transfer students.
The numbers point to momentum, but they tell only part of the story—one defined by the students behind the statistics and the choices shaping their futures. Transferring colleges isn’t just about changing institutions — it’s about finding the right academic, personal and professional fit.
At Canisius University, transfer students are welcomed into a supportive, student-centered community designed to help them thrive from day one. “Canisius is intentionally built to meet transfer students where they are and help them move forward with confidence,” says Jeannette Delaney, associate director of undergraduate admissions.
Rooted in Jesuit values such as cura personalis—care for the whole person—Canisius University offers transfer students more than a degree. It provides community, purpose and a path forward. For students seeking a university that recognizes their potential and supports their success at every step, Canisius stands ready to welcome them home.
From flexible credit evaluations and dedicated academic advising to career-ready learning and strong community college partnerships, here are some of the many reasons students choose to transfer to Canisius University:
1. You’re Welcomed as Part of the Canisius Family
Changing majors, returning to college or looking for a more supportive academic environment —students transfer for a variety of reasons. No matter the path that brings them to campus, Canisius works to ensure transfer students feel valued from their very first interaction.
“When a student considers transferring to Canisius, they are welcomed by every area of campus as if they have always been part of the Canisius family,” said Delaney.
That sense of belonging was immediate for John Jones ‘25, a communications major who recently graduated. “The orientation made me feel welcomed,” he said. “Canisius was not just a right fit, but the best fit for me to face my learning difficulties head on. Even as a commuter, the campus gave me a great college experience,” Jones says. “Late nights studying in the library and learning from faculty who truly care made this journey meaningful.”
2. A Personalized Path to Academic Success
For Jones, transferring wasn’t simply about enrolling at a new institution—it was about finding an environment that understood his academic needs. “Getting hands-on support through the Griff Center for Student Success and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) made all the difference,” he said.
Delaney explains that Canisius takes a personalized approach to transfer advising. “It helps students build a clear academic plan that reflects their goals, prior coursework and timeline to graduation,” she said.
3. Transfer Credits That Are Clear and Fair
Understanding how credits transfer is one of the biggest concerns for prospective students. “Canisius evaluates coursework from two- and four-year colleges, military credit, AP, CLEP and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams — always looking for ways to help students progress efficiently,” said Delaney. She added that Canisius will accept up to 66 transfer credit hours from a two-year college and up to 90 credit hours from a four-year college.
For Jones, that clarity mattered. “Most of my credits transferred over,” he said. “Knowing that upfront helped make my decision easier.”
4. Support Even Before You Apply
Delaney says Canisius offers unofficial transfer credit evaluations before students apply, giving potential transfers the opportunity to explore majors and understand how previous coursework may apply. “Prospective transfer students may request credit evaluations for multiple majors. We even advise students on what courses to take at their current institution to maximize transfer credit,” she said.
Transfer credits are evaluated by the experts from the Student Services staff to the faculty in the student’s academic area. The Student Services Office then provides a full degree plan along with the transfer credit evaluation to each transfer student.
“We look for every reasonable opportunity to accept transfer credit. Our goal is to help students stay on track and reach their goal of graduation. This early guidance helps students make informed decisions, reduces uncertainty and prevents unnecessary coursework—saving both time and money on the path to a degree,” Delaney said.
5. A Course Designed for Transfer Student Success
All incoming transfer students enroll in GRIFF 201: Transfer Success Experience, a credited course created by the Student Success Team. For many students, the course helps transform an unfamiliar campus into a connected community within the first semester.
“The course is taught by Success Coaches and is a comprehensive introduction to Canisius, covering everything from understanding financial aid to knowing how Career Services supports students," said Delaney who adds that when it’s time to register for classes, transfer students are advised by the associate dean of their school or the director of their major. These faculty members have deep program knowledge and help make the transfer advisement process seamless.
“The result is a smoother transition and stronger sense of belonging,” she said.
6. Access to Career-Ready, Hands-On Learning
“Whether a student transfers in as a freshman or as a senior, they have full access to all high-impact learning opportunities at Canisius,” said Delaney. “Their advisor may discuss these options during their first advisement meeting, or students may hear about them through Career Services presentations in their Transfer Success Skills course.”
She added that transfer students gain hands-on experience through internships, guest lectures, job-shadowing days, study-abroad programs, service trips (local and international) and mock interviews among many other opportunities.
7. Faculty Support That Starts Early
Faculty engagement at Canisius often begins before students even enroll. During campus visits, transfer students meet directly with professors to discuss programs, expectations and career pathways. Once enrolled, students benefit from advising by associate deans or program directors with deep knowledge of their fields.
At Canisius, Jones found guidance that helped him explore communications as a career through meaningful conversations, mentoring and real-world preparation. “Faculty like Dr. Maura Snyder, Dr. Tanya Loughead, Mary Beth Fortunato, MA and Professor Ian Gattie, MA, pushed me to be a better student,” Jones says. “Their classes inspired me and challenged me in the best way.”
8. Scholarships and Financial Support for Transfer Students
According to Delaney, all incoming transfer students are automatically considered for merit scholarships as part of the application review process, with awards currently ranging from $8,000 to $17,000 per year. “Transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa or Alpha Beta Gamma honor societies may also qualify for an additional $2,000 Transfer Honors Scholarship per year,” she said.
She also notes that recognizing the importance of visiting campus when choosing the right college, eligible transfer students can receive a $1,000 Transfer Student Visit & Apply Grant by meeting the required visit and application deadlines. “Canisius also reserves space each semester for transfer students in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). Students previously enrolled in HEOP, EOP, SEEK, or the Discovery program who were successful at their prior institution may be considered for Canisius HEOP,” Delaney said.
Jones said he was thankful and humbled to receive financial aid. “As long as I maintained my GPA, I knew I could keep moving forward toward my goal,” he said.
9. Strong Community College Transfer Pathways
With more than 150 transfer agreements with Western New York community colleges, Canisius makes it easier for students to plan and stay on track toward graduation. “These agreements show students exactly how their associate-degree coursework will apply toward a bachelor’s degree at Canisius. They also serve as helpful advisement tools, ensuring students stay on track semester by semester. All agreements are posted on our website for easy access,” said Delaney.
Jones credits that network with easing his transition. “SUNY Erie Community College’s EOP program helped with a smooth transfer,” he says. “Jeannette Delaney in the Admissions Office also played a huge role. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
10. Buffalo Expands the Canisius Experience
Located in the City of Buffalo, students have easy access to internships, job-shadowing opportunities, guest speakers, lunch-and-learn events, and more. For on-campus students, a free metro pass offers unlimited access to NFTA buses and Metro Rail routes, expanding mobility across Buffalo and beyond throughout the academic year.
“Plus with many Canisius alumni living and working in the region, transfer students gain an additional layer of support. Alumni know that Canisius students are well-prepared and often welcome them as interns," said Delaney.
To learn more about transferring to Canisius University visit here.
