BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University made impressive gains in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of America’s “Best Colleges” for 2025. The annual rankings evaluate the overall quality of higher education institutions as well as their performance in specific categories. This year’s report shows Canisius improving its standing among regional colleges and universities in the North in areas that are core to its mission: Best Colleges, Best Value, Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Performers for Social Mobility.
“These rankings from U.S. News and World Report affirm our dedication to ensuring that a Canisius University education is not only exceptional but also accessible,” says Canisius President Steve Stoute. “They also reflect the commitment of our outstanding faculty and staff who empower students each and every day to strive for excellence on their path to becoming leaders in their careers and in our communities.”
Canisius’ progress is most evident in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for Best Colleges, which placed the university at No. 31 among 165 four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting regional institutions in the North. The Best Colleges ranking assesses academic quality and measures such factors as first-year retention rates, graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes. Canisius climbed two spots in this category, from No. 33 last year.
“To be ranked among the top 40 of Best Colleges is a testament to Canisius University’s mission to offer rigorous academic programs and transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom,” Stoute says. “We take pride in fostering a collaborative environment in which our students engage directly with faculty on research projects, present at professional conferences, and participate in internships and immersion experiences. This recognition from U.S. News reflects our success in equipping students so they graduate ready to lead and effect change.”
In addition to academic excellence, the U.S. News rankings recognize Canisius University’s commitment to making a high-quality education accessible, in categories that measure value, inclusivity and support for diverse student populations.
The university made a notable leap among Best Value schools, moving up eight places to secure a spot in the top 5. This year’s position at No. 4 marks Canisius’ ninth consecutive year as a U.S. News Best Value school. The ranking category considers four key indicators: an institution’s academic quality based on the Best Colleges rankings, the net cost of attendance for students who receive the average level of need-based financial aid, and the proportion of students who receive grants or scholarships. It also considers the average discount from the school’s total sticker price for full-time undergraduates.
Canisius made similarly impressive strides as a Top Performer on Social Mobility. The university jumped 12 places to No. 44 in the category, which highlights institutions that effectively enroll and graduate a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, particularly those receiving Pell Grants.
Further underscoring the university’s resolve for inclusivity is its placement at No. 9 among Best Colleges for Veterans, up from No. 14 last year. This ranking recognizes those colleges and universities that make pursuing higher education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. To be included in this category, institutions must be certified for the GI Bill® and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additionally, qualifying schools are required to have 20 or more enrolled undergraduate veterans or active service members and be included in the top half of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.
“Canisius University’s gains in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings directly reflect the commitments in our strategic plan, Answer the Call, which centers on student success through transformative learning experiences and the pursuit of inclusive excellence,” Stoute says. “As we celebrate these accomplishments, we will continue to strive to reach higher by expanding our commitment to student success and furthering our role as a convener and leader in the broader Western New York community to help advance solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges.”
Canisius University’s mission to provide an exceptional education is further evidenced by its ranking of No. 15 among regional universities in the North on U.S. News’ list for Best Undergraduate Teaching. This recognition highlights those colleges and universities whose faculty and administrators demonstrate excellence in teaching undergraduate students and ensuring that these learners receive high-quality instruction and mentorship. The rankings are determined by the results of an annual peer assessment survey distributed to university presidents, provosts and admissions deans.
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.
