Canisius vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Canisius University in Buffalo, NY with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Canisius University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Canisius University 11:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Canisius vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius or WCU? 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 WCU ($19,666 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 8.6% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($13,560 vs. $14,828).
• Canisius University is 220.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $23,725 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.7% higher at Canisius than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $11,901 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Canisius University students is 337.4% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($24,972 vs. $5,709).

Canisius vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius or WCU? 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 WCU and Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Canisius University (1190) is the same as at WCU (1190).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Canisius vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius and WCU? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Canisius University earn a median of about $900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Canisius graduates ($23,500 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Canisius graduates ($242 vs. $255).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.