Canisius University President Steve Stoute announced today the launch of an innovative new initiative aimed at expanding educational affordability and opportunity to the best and brightest local students. The Canisius Buffalo Promise Scholarship effectively covers 100% of tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study at the university to eligible admitted students. Canisius anticipates that approximately 800 admitted students will qualify as Buffalo Promise scholars in the fall 2025 pilot year of the program, with a potential savings for students and families of more than $25 million in the first year alone. Building on this strong start, Canisius projects approximately 4,000 students to qualify for the Buffalo Promise over the next five years, making it the most generous, most ambitious and most comprehensive combined aid program in the university’s history.
“We know that a Canisius education is transformative, opening doors to opportunities and experiences that set students up for long-term success and a lifetime of meaning,” President Stoute stated. “Our vision is to make the Canisius experience available to all qualified students by breaking down the barriers of cost and building up student outcomes, and the Buffalo Promise Scholarship is a significant step in that direction.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must apply to Canisius and be admitted through the regular decision process, reside in Buffalo or any adjacent town with a ZIP code beginning with 142, and live in a household with an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less. Undergraduate freshman enrolling for fall 2025 need to submit valid applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York Tuition Assistance Program by March 1, 2025.
“The new Canisius scholarship is a sign of the university’s continued commitment to Buffalo and Western New York,” stated New York State Sen. Sean M. Ryan at the community unveiling of the scholarship. “We appreciate the institution’s dedication to making higher education accessible to Buffalonians who would otherwise not have the opportunity.”
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship goes beyond covering 100% of undergraduate tuition costs.
“It combines the promise of zero tuition for eligible students with our Golden Griffin Guarantee, which guarantees graduation in four years, and our commitment to student success with the building of a state-of-the-art Student Success Center to provide wrap-around services to our students,” President Stoute added.
The scholarship program also engages students in experiences designed to strengthen their connection to the Buffalo community and prepare them to contribute to the region’s economic and social success. Additionally, scholars will receive support from personalized student success teams, be paired with mentors and Buffalo-based Canisius alumni for professional guidance and participate in high-impact learning experiences in Buffalo and the surrounding areas via internships and immersions.
“Canisius University’s new scholarship initiative will open doors for Western New York students to harness their talent and tenacity to follow their dreams,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26th District). “It will help our young people focus on pursuing higher education who might not have otherwise been able to, unlocking opportunities and having a positive impact on the entire region. The new Buffalo Promise Scholarship will also help to address generational disparities, creating future leaders, and contributing to a stronger Buffalo-Niagara region.”
“This program will elevate the entire community by empowering future leaders who will give back to Buffalo through service and innovation,” added David Rust, chief executive officer of Say Yes Buffalo. “Canisius University has been a long-standing partner in our mission, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this scholarship for generations to come.”
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship has the potential to affect more than half of the university’s incoming class in that it covers any remaining tuition costs after a student’s federal, state and institutional aid are applied. This ensures that eligible students can attend Canisius without paying any out-of-pocket tuition expenses.
“By structuring the scholarship this way, we are able to maximize the impact of all available resources to make a Canisius education a reality for more students,” noted Danielle Ianni, PhD, vice president for enrollment. “The Buffalo Promise Scholarship sends a clear message to our local students that if you have the academic qualifications and the drive to succeed, finances will not be a barrier to your education at Canisius.”
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship only covers undergraduate tuition at Canisius. To continue receiving the award, students must remain in good academic standing and complete the FAFSA and TAP applications annually.
