Acceptance Rate
66%
Avg. SAT
1300
75th percentile
“Catholic liberal arts university outside Rochester, excelling in pharmacy, nursing, and teacher preparation amid Finger Lakes scenery.”
Rochester, NY
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
St. John Fisher University traces its roots to 1948, when Basilian priests from Canada established it as a men's liberal arts college on a wooded estate in suburban Pittsford, New York; it transitioned to coeducation in 1971 and gained university status in 2020. The school honors St. John Fisher, the 16th-century bishop and scholar executed for defying Henry VIII. You'll find a grounded, supportive personality here, shaped by its Catholic heritage that emphasizes ethical leadership and community service without demanding religious affiliation.
Students who thrive seek personal connections with professors and peers in a mid-sized setting of about 2,800 undergraduates, often drawn to health professions or education. Those craving massive lectures or nonstop urban energy might feel out of place in this suburban pocket, where you'll drive 10 minutes to Rochester's core. The area blends college-town calm with access to the city's museums and lakeside trails, though expect heavy snowfalls that turn winters into a cozy indoor season and raise heating costs.
Photo Gallery
+7
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms buzz with discussion in smaller settings, where professors prioritize mentoring over lectures, especially in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy's accelerated six-year PharmD track or the nursing and education programs. Biology and chemistry majors dive into undergrad research at on-campus labs, while business students tap Rochester's corporate ties. Popular majors fill quickly, so early declaration helps, and while core requirements build broad skills, competitive spots in professional tracks demand solid grades from day one.
The intellectual culture rewards curiosity and collaboration, with seminars that link ethics to modern challenges. Tradeoffs include occasional large intro classes in general ed and limited spots in high-demand fields like pharmacy, pushing some toward alternatives.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,571 undergrad • 1,122 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
White
76%
Black / African American
7%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
4%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Rochester, NY
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes morning classes with afternoon club meetings, evening study sessions in residence halls, and weekend DIII Cardinals games or service projects. The social scene stays approachable—think bonfires, coffeehouse events, and moderate Greek life—fostering friendships in a community where most students hail from New York and nearby states. Over 90 clubs span outdoorsy hikes to debate teams, with traditions like community cleanups reflecting the service focus.
You'll live in one of ten residence halls or apartments, where freshmen bond through floor events. Challenges include the campus's spread-out layout requiring shuttles in winter and a quieter party vibe compared to bigger schools, plus Rochester's variable weather that confines outdoor hangs to spring and fall. Proximity to city festivals and Finger Lakes escapes adds variety.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Empire 8
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$15,558
$30K – $48K
$22,087
$48K – $75K
$25,098
$75K – $110K
$28,062
$110K+
$30,420
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
86%
4 Years Graduation Rate
74%
6 Years Graduation Rate
80%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$66,944
86% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at St. John Fisher University and return in the fall. 74% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 80% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
74%
4-5 years
6%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
19%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$36,748
Acceptance
66%
Undergrads
2,571
4-Year Grad Rate
74%
Endowment
$56M
Rochester, NY 14618-3597
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