Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.

Catholic colleges where the most freshmen return in New York

Catholic colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Catholic colleges where the most freshmen return in New York8 schools

8 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

How this list is made

  • Schools in New York.
  • Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
  • Faith grade B or better (Faith score 70 or higher). Cost and outcomes never change a grade.
  • Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 8, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Fordham University

    Bronx, NY · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
    • 89% of freshmen return
    • 82% graduate
  2. 2

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 86% of freshmen return
    • 67% graduate
  3. 3

    Le Moyne College

    Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 84% of freshmen return
    • 73% graduate
  4. 4

    Siena College

    Loudonville, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 83% of freshmen return
    • 75% graduate
  5. 5

    Niagara University

    Niagara University, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 80% of freshmen return
    • 75% graduate
  6. 6

    St. John's University-New York

    Queens, NY · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
    • 79% of freshmen return
    • 66% graduate
  7. 7

    Manhattan University

    Riverdale, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 76% of freshmen return
    • 64% graduate
  8. 8

    Canisius University

    Buffalo, NY · Private nonprofit
    • 73% of freshmen return
    • 66% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Fordham University$44,338$24,300$85,56982%
St. Bonaventure University$27,074$26,000$57,21467%
Le Moyne College$22,277$23,000$62,73173%
Siena College$33,733$26,561$76,07975%
Niagara University$17,248$25,475$56,19675%
St. John's University-New York$29,999$25,000$69,57166%
Manhattan University$27,256$26,000$86,31664%
Canisius University$17,940$24,250$60,68166%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →