Canisius vs. Syracuse

Comparable Facts

Compare Canisius University in Buffalo, NY with Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Syracuse University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (22,589 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Syracuse University is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; Syracuse University 15:1.

Canisius vs. Syracuse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius or Syracuse? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Canisius University than Syracuse ($19,666 vs. $48,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 29.3% lower than at Syracuse University ($13,560 vs. $19,188).
• Syracuse University is 89.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $31,028 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.9% higher at Syracuse than at Canisius University (about $31,028 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Syracuse University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Syracuse University students is 45.8% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($36,417 vs. $24,972).

Canisius vs. Syracuse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius or Syracuse? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Syracuse and Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Syracuse University (1360) is 170 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming Syracuse students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Syracuse University 1270/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; Syracuse University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Syracuse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Syracuse Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Syracuse (3.69).
• Canisius has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 18.8% at Syracuse.

Canisius vs. Syracuse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius and Syracuse? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Syracuse University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Syracuse University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,900 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Syracuse graduates ($24,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Syracuse graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Syracuse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.