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Canisius University: Canisius College - Quad 2
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Canisius University

  • LocationBuffalo, NY
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 2,545 students
  • SponsorSociety of Jesus (Jesuits)
  • TraditionJesuit
Official website

Canisius University in Buffalo, New York, is a Catholic and Jesuit university founded by the Society of Jesus in 1870. Mass is celebrated in Christ the King Chapel on campus every weekday at 12:05 p.m. and twice on Sundays, with confession on Mondays and Fridays and adoration on Fridays; a Jesuit serves as university chaplain and the Jesuit community lives on campus. The core curriculum requires two religious studies and theology courses and two philosophy courses, and religious studies and theology is offered as a minor.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

  • Sunday9:30 AMChrist the King Chapel · During the academic year; in summer the morning Mass is at 9:00 AM at Riverfest Park.
  • Sunday7:00 PMChrist the King Chapel · Year-round.
  • Monday–Friday12:05 PMChrist the King Chapel
  • Sunday9:00 AMRiverfest Park, 249 Ohio Street, Buffalo (off campus) · Summer only (Sundays June 28 through August 23), replacing the 9:30 AM chapel Mass.

Confession 1

  • Monday, Friday11:00 AMChrist the King Chapel · 11:00 AM-12:00 PM; also by appointment.

Adoration 1

  • Friday11:00 AMChrist the King Chapel · 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Sunday Mass on campus is at 9:30am and 7:00pm. We also have Weekday Mass on M-F at 12:05pm in Christ the King Chapel.”
    Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
  2. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
    The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
    “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
    The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
    “Confessions Monday and Friday 11:00 - 12 (or by appt. if arranged with staff)”
    Confession is scheduled Mondays and Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
    “Friday Devotions Adoration 11-12 Sacred Heart Prayers after the 12:05 Mass”
    Adoration is held Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
    “Sundays, June 28 through August 23, our morning Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. at Riverfest Park, 249 Ohio Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.”
    In summer the Sunday morning Mass is held at 9 a.m. at Riverfest Park.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Canisius University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Mark Catholic Church: 1.0 mi1Blessed Trinity Catholic Church: 1.1 mi2Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church: 1.2 mi3Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church: 1.3 mi4Saint Margaret's Church: 1.5 mi5Holy Spirit Catholic Church: 1.7 mi6Office of Campus Ministry (Old Main 101) and Christ the King Chapel: 0.1 miCanisius University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Mark Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 401 Woodward Avenue, Buffalo
  2. Blessed Trinity Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 317 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo
  3. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 1025 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo
  4. Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church — 1.3 mi · 555 Northampton Street, Buffalo
  5. Saint Margaret's Church — 1.5 mi · 1395 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo
  6. Holy Spirit Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 85 Dakota Street, Buffalo

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

82 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday Mass on campus is at 9:30am and 7:00pm. We also have Weekday Mass on M-F at 12:05pm in Christ the King Chapel.”
      Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
    2. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
      The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel (the 7 p.m. Mass is year-round; in summer the morning Mass moves off campus).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday Mass on campus is at 9:30am and 7:00pm. We also have Weekday Mass on M-F at 12:05pm in Christ the King Chapel.”
      Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
    2. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
      The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
      “4th: Sunday Masses 9:30 and 7:00 in honor of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi”
      The fall 2026 chapel calendar shows Sunday Masses at 9:30 and 7:00.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusOne or two scheduled times per week (Mondays and Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (two scheduled times a week), or by appointment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confessions Monday and Friday 11:00 - 12 (or by appt. if arranged with staff)”
      Confession is scheduled Mondays and Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Friday Devotions Adoration 11-12 Sacred Heart Prayers after the 12:05 Mass”
      Adoration is held Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Rev. Fred Betti, S.J., is University Chaplain, and the Canisius Jesuit community lives in Loyola Hall on campus.)
    Sources (3)
    1. The Canisius Mission | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/canisius-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rev. Fred Betti, S.J. University Chaplain Old Main 101-D 716-888-2875”
      Rev. Fred Betti, S.J., is University Chaplain.
    2. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fr. Frederick G. Betti, S.J. Chaplain Office: 716-888-2875”
      Fr. Frederick Betti, S.J., is chaplain of Christ the King Chapel.
    3. Jesuits at Canisius | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/mission-identity/jesuits-canisius · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Jesuits live in Loyola Hall on the Canisius University campus.”
      The Jesuit community lives on campus.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Christ the King Chapel is generally open from morning to night for visits and prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Chapel is generally open from morning to night. All are welcome to visit, rest, pray and discern their relationship with God in our Chapel.”
      Christ the King Chapel is open for prayer from morning to night.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (11 weekly times documented: 8 Mass, 2 confession, 1 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

66 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (RST 101 Introduction to Religious Studies and Theology (foundation course) plus one Field 1 (Religious Studies and Theology) course. A few cross-listed courses (e.g., CLS 309, HIS 302, IGSR 300) also satisfy Field 1.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Core Curriculum provides a foundation of four courses: ENG 111 (Academic Writing), ENG 112 (Writing About Literature), PHI 101 (Introduction to Philosophy), and RST 101 (Introduction to Religious Studies).”
      All students take PHI 101 and RST 101 as foundation courses.
      “The Core Curriculum includes a distribution of courses, one in each of seven Breadth of Knowledge Fields encompassing the traditional liberal arts: Religious Studies and Theology (Field 1), Philosophy (Field 2)”
      Students also take one Religious Studies and Theology course and one Philosophy course in the Breadth of Knowledge fields.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (RST 101 is an introduction to religion in general that includes Catholic and Jesuit traditions alongside other world religions. Field 1 options include RST 231 Introduction to Catholic Studies and RST 341 Catholic Social Ethics; also non-Catholic options.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RST 101 provides an academic introduction to religion in general, with a concern that students understand the nature and role of religion, religious experience, and religious practice in human life and society, including Catholic (and Jesuit) traditions as well as other world religions.”
      RST 101 is a general introduction to religion that includes Catholic traditions among others.
      “RST 231 | Introduction to Catholic Studies | 3 |”
      Introduction to Catholic Studies is one Field 1 option.
    2. Religious Studies - RST | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/courses/rst · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Major movements and personalities in Catholic theology, history, culture, and spirituality.”
      RST 231 covers Catholic theology, history and spirituality.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy (foundation course) plus one Field 2 (Philosophy) course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Core Curriculum provides a foundation of four courses: ENG 111 (Academic Writing), ENG 112 (Writing About Literature), PHI 101 (Introduction to Philosophy), and RST 101 (Introduction to Religious Studies).”
      All students take PHI 101 and RST 101 as foundation courses.
      “The Core Curriculum includes a distribution of courses, one in each of seven Breadth of Knowledge Fields encompassing the traditional liberal arts: Religious Studies and Theology (Field 1), Philosophy (Field 2)”
      Students also take one Religious Studies and Theology course and one Philosophy course in the Breadth of Knowledge fields.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The catalog states that the core's content and structure are rooted in the humanistic ideals of the Catholic intellectual tradition and in Jesuit pedagogy and mission.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The content and structure of our Core Curriculum is rooted in the humanistic ideals of the Catholic intellectual tradition and in Jesuit pedagogy and mission.”
      The core is described as rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
  • No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The A-Z list of undergraduate majors, minors and programs lists Religious Studies and Theology and Catholic Studies only as minors.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Majors and Programs | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/academics/programs/undergraduate · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Religious Studies and Theology Minor Minor”
      Religious Studies and Theology is listed as a minor.
      “Choose from more than 100 undergraduate majors, minors and special programs, each grounded in our liberal arts core.”
      The page lists the university's undergraduate majors, minors and programs.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
CCampus culture and residence life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

66 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (4 Mission and Ministry staff: the AVP for Mission Integration and Director of Campus Ministry, the assistant director of campus ministry, the university chaplain, and the sacramental minister. The Jesuits page also says Fr. Jack Mattimore, S.J., works with Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Canisius Mission | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/canisius-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Spencer Liechty Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration and Director of Campus Ministry Old Main 101-C 716-888-2487”
      Spencer Liechty is AVP for Mission Integration and Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Caroline King Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Old Main 101-A 716-888-2420”
      Caroline King is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Rev. Fred Betti, S.J. University Chaplain Old Main 101-D 716-888-2875”
      Rev. Fred Betti, S.J., is University Chaplain.
      “Deacon Gary Andelora Sacramental Minister Old Main 101-B 716-888-2425”
      Deacon Gary Andelora is Sacramental Minister.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Two student-led retreats are listed: Kairos and the Always Our Children (AOC) retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality, the retreat calls students to a greater awareness of God in the world around them”
      Campus Ministry offers the Kairos retreat.
      “Always Our Children (AOC) Retreat This retreat is for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.”
      Campus Ministry offers the Always Our Children retreat.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Campus Ministry lists faith sharing groups and the Exalt music group (with lector and eucharistic minister roles). The clubs list includes InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, which is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Join us for community nights and faith sharing groups. Become a lector, eucharistic minister, or sing in our music group, Exalt.”
      Campus Ministry runs community nights, faith sharing groups, liturgical ministries and the Exalt music group.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (The Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration is the university's senior mission officer and leads the Office of Mission and Ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. The Canisius Mission | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/canisius-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The AVP functions as the university's senior mission officer and is responsible for articulating what it means to be a Jesuit university”
      The Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration is the senior mission officer.
    2. Mission and Identity | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/mission-identity · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office of Mission and Ministry promotes the deeper understanding and invites the active engagement of the entire Canisius University community”
      The Office of Mission and Ministry serves the whole university community on its Catholic, Jesuit mission.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

82 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Campus Ministry organizes service with Buffalo community partners and annual service-immersion trips.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Serve in the city of Buffalo with one of our community partners.”
      Campus Ministry arranges local service with community partners.
    2. Service-Immersion Experiences | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/service-immersion-experiences · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry organizes annual service learning trips over winter and spring break.”
      Campus Ministry organizes annual service-immersion trips.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Course-specific service-learning projects in several disciplines.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Jesuit Difference | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/jesuit-difference · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Classes spread across all disciplines including Pre-Med, Spanish, Education and more involve students in service-learning projects early in their Canisius careers.”
      Service-learning projects are part of courses in several disciplines.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (RST 341 Catholic Social Ethics and PHI 267 Faith, Reason, and Justice: Catholic Social Thought are options in the core fields; neither is required of all students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Religious Studies - RST | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/courses/rst · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Study of the principles of Catholic Social Teachings articulated in papal and episcopal documents with contemporary applications.”
      RST 341 Catholic Social Ethics studies Catholic social teaching.
    2. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “PHI 267 | Faith, Reason, and Justice Catholic Social Thought | 3 |”
      A philosophy course on Catholic social thought is a Field 2 option.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Two or more (Students for Life student club; the Title IX Office supports pregnant and parenting students under a Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Conditions and Parenting Student Policy.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Clubs and Organizations | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/student-life-housing/student-engagement-leadership-development/clubs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students for Life: By way of panel discussions, lectures, film presentations and other means, Students for Life seeks to educate the Canisius community”
      Students for Life is a recognized student club.
    2. Title IX Coordinator and Reporting | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/student-support-services/community-standards-policies/title-ix-coordinator · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Title IX Office is also the resource for students that are pregnant or have pregnancy-related conditions.”
      The Title IX Office supports pregnant students under a pregnancy and parenting student policy.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Campus Ministry's annual service-immersion trips (e.g., food insecurity in Wheeling, WV) and the Border Awareness Experience on migration in El Paso (January 2026).)
    Sources (3)
    1. Service-Immersion Experiences | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/service-immersion-experiences · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “A service-learning immersion experience is an opportunity for Canisius students to experience a week of service-learning in the context of solidarity, spirituality, simplicity and social justice.”
      Service-immersion trips are framed by solidarity, spirituality, simplicity and social justice.
    2. Canisius Students Gain Firsthand Insight into Immigration Through Border Awareness Experience | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/news/canisius-students-gain-firsthand-insight-immigration-through-border-awareness-experience · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students traveled to El Paso, TX, as part of the Border Awareness Experience (BAE), an immersive program led by Caroline King, assistant director of campus ministry in the Office of Mission and Ministry.”
      Campus Ministry runs the Border Awareness Experience on migration in El Paso (January 2026).
    3. The Jesuit Difference | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/jesuit-difference · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “A trip to Wheeling, WV to understand food insecurity and work at local food banks”
      Recent service-immersion trips include a trip on food insecurity.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Service-immersion trips are organized by Campus Ministry and framed by solidarity, spirituality, simplicity and social justice.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service-Immersion Experiences | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/service-immersion-experiences · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office of Campus Ministry organizes annual service learning trips over winter and spring break.”
      Campus Ministry organizes annual service-immersion trips.
      “A service-learning immersion experience is an opportunity for Canisius students to experience a week of service-learning in the context of solidarity, spirituality, simplicity and social justice.”
      Service-immersion trips are framed by solidarity, spirituality, simplicity and social justice.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is celebrated in Christ the King Chapel every weekday and twice on Sundays.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday Mass on campus is at 9:30am and 7:00pm. We also have Weekday Mass on M-F at 12:05pm in Christ the King Chapel.”
      Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
    2. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
      The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
  • Confession is scheduled twice a week and adoration weekly, and the chapel is generally open from morning to night.
    Sources (1)
    1. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Confessions Monday and Friday 11:00 - 12 (or by appt. if arranged with staff)”
      Confession is scheduled Mondays and Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
      “Friday Devotions Adoration 11-12 Sacred Heart Prayers after the 12:05 Mass”
      Adoration is held Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
      “The Chapel is generally open from morning to night. All are welcome to visit, rest, pray and discern their relationship with God in our Chapel.”
      Christ the King Chapel is open for prayer from morning to night.
  • The core requires two religious studies and theology courses and two philosophy courses, and is described as rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Core Curriculum provides a foundation of four courses: ENG 111 (Academic Writing), ENG 112 (Writing About Literature), PHI 101 (Introduction to Philosophy), and RST 101 (Introduction to Religious Studies).”
      All students take PHI 101 and RST 101 as foundation courses.
      “The Core Curriculum includes a distribution of courses, one in each of seven Breadth of Knowledge Fields encompassing the traditional liberal arts: Religious Studies and Theology (Field 1), Philosophy (Field 2)”
      Students also take one Religious Studies and Theology course and one Philosophy course in the Breadth of Knowledge fields.
      “The content and structure of our Core Curriculum is rooted in the humanistic ideals of the Catholic intellectual tradition and in Jesuit pedagogy and mission.”
      The core is described as rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
  • A Jesuit serves as university chaplain, and the Jesuit community lives on campus.
    Sources (2)
    1. The Canisius Mission | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/canisius-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rev. Fred Betti, S.J. University Chaplain Old Main 101-D 716-888-2875”
      Rev. Fred Betti, S.J., is University Chaplain.
    2. Jesuits at Canisius | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/mission-identity/jesuits-canisius · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Jesuits live in Loyola Hall on the Canisius University campus.”
      The Jesuit community lives on campus.

Concerns

  • Religious Studies and Theology is offered as a minor.
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Majors and Programs | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/academics/programs/undergraduate · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Religious Studies and Theology Minor Minor”
      Religious Studies and Theology is listed as a minor.
  • The required RST 101 is a general introduction to religion; an explicitly Catholic course is one option among several in Field 1.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Canisius Catalogcatalog.canisius.edu/undergraduate/academics/curricular-information/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RST 101 provides an academic introduction to religion in general, with a concern that students understand the nature and role of religion, religious experience, and religious practice in human life and society, including Catholic (and Jesuit) traditions as well as other world religions.”
      RST 101 is a general introduction to religion that includes Catholic traditions among others.
      “RST 231 | Introduction to Catholic Studies | 3 |”
      Introduction to Catholic Studies is one Field 1 option.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Ministry (Old Main 101) and Christ the King Chapel

  • Address: 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Christ the King Chapel), campus ministry offices (Old Main 101)

View on map ↗

Source: canisius.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, canisius.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, canisius.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 5 off campus

Retreats 2

  • Kairos RetreatOff campus
    Student-led retreat away from campus rooted in Ignatian spirituality.
  • Always Our Children (AOC) RetreatOff campus
    Campus Ministry retreat for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.

Service 3

  • Service-immersion tripsOff campus
    Winter and spring breaks
    Week-long Campus Ministry service-learning trips (e.g., food insecurity in Wheeling, WV).
  • Border Awareness ExperienceOff campus
    Winter break (January)
    Immersion on migration in El Paso, TX, led by the assistant director of campus ministry.
  • Local service with community partnersOff campus
    Campus Ministry service with community partners in Buffalo.

Clubs and groups 2

  • Faith sharing groupsOn campus
    Campus Ministry faith sharing groups.
  • Students for LifeOn campus
    Student club that holds panel discussions, lectures and films on the value of human life.

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Exalt music group and liturgical ministersOn campus
    Students serve as lectors and eucharistic ministers or sing in the Exalt music group at Mass.

Social life 1

  • Community nightsOn campus
    Campus Ministry community nights.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (5)
  1. Campus Ministry | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Sunday Mass on campus is at 9:30am and 7:00pm. We also have Weekday Mass on M-F at 12:05pm in Christ the King Chapel.”
    Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and weekday Mass Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel.
    “Contact Us: Office: Old Main 101 Phone: 716-888-2420”
    The Campus Ministry office is in Old Main 101.
  2. The Canisius Mission | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/about/canisius-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Spencer Liechty Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration and Director of Campus Ministry Old Main 101-C 716-888-2487”
    Spencer Liechty is AVP for Mission Integration and Director of Campus Ministry.
  3. Christ the King Chapel | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/campus-ministry/christ-king-chapel · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “7:00pm (year-round, Christ the King Chapel) Weekday Masses in Christ the King Chapel Monday-Friday 12:05 PM”
    The Sunday 7 p.m. Mass is year-round, and weekday Mass is Monday-Friday at 12:05 p.m.
    “Fr. Frederick G. Betti, S.J. Chaplain Office: 716-888-2875”
    Fr. Frederick Betti, S.J., is chaplain of Christ the King Chapel.
    “The historic Christ the King Chapel, located on the Canisius University Campus, is our worship center and our spiritual home.”
    Christ the King Chapel is on campus.
  4. Jesuits at Canisius | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/faith-service/mission-identity/jesuits-canisius · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The Jesuits live in Loyola Hall on the Canisius University campus.”
    The Jesuit community lives on campus.
  5. Student Health | Canisius Universitycanisius.edu/student-experience/student-support-services/student-health · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Canisius University Student Health Center 2001 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14208”
    The campus address is 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
70 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.66%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.73%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.11 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,715

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,798
Total students2,545
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$17,940
Cost of attendance (per year)$44,322
Median federal debt at graduation$24,250
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
66%
First-year retention73%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$60,681
Admission rate72%
Students receiving Pell grants32%

Value index: 63 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Buffalo

The Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: buffalodiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 189705
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is Canisius University a Catholic college?
Yes. Canisius University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Buffalo. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
What is Canisius University’s Compass Score?
73 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Canisius University?
Mass is listed at Christ the King Chapel, Riverfest Park, 249 Ohio Street and Buffalo (off campus). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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