Buffalo, NY – Canisius University’s Wehle Business School has earned recognition among the nation’s elite business programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The Wehle School placed among the top 100 graduate business programs nationally, positioning it in the top 20% of AACSB-accredited business schools nationwide.
“This recognition underscores the quality education and practical value we deliver to our MBA students,” says Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, dean of the Wehle Business School. “Our continued rise in these rankings reflects our blend of strong academics and real-world business experience, which resonates with students and employers in today’s competitive marketplace.”
Canisius rose 15 spots from last year to rank 90th nationally, out of the 508 AACSB-accredited business schools surveyed by U.S. News. The university also ranks 10th among MBA programs in New York State, 7th among private institutions statewide, and is the top-ranked private business school in Western New York.
The Wehle Business School finds itself in distinguished company, ranking alongside respected institutions like Auburn University, the University at Buffalo, and the University of South Carolina. Notably, Canisius outranked several prominent institutions, including the Rochester Institute of Technology, Brandeis University, West Texas A&M University, and Florida State University.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools based on several key factors, with 50% of a school’s score determined by employment and earnings outcomes for graduates. A standout factor in Canisius’ strong performance was its impressive employment outcomes, with 95% of Wehle graduates securing positions within three months of graduation. Other ranking factors include assessments from peer institutions and corporate recruiters, student selectivity metrics and academic quality indicators. All ranked institutions must be accredited by AACSB International, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in business education.
"The 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings are more than numbers; they guide students to determine pathways that align with their goals," says LaMont Jones, senior editor of education at U.S. News. "When students have substantial data and options, they can make informed decisions to generate transformative life opportunities. U.S. News rankings and data leads students to find the perfect program where they can flourish."
This latest recognition builds on Canisius’ growing reputation for excellence in business education. Earlier this year, the university’s online master’s in business programs debuted at No. 66 nationally and No. 2 in New York State in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.
The Wehle Business School develops career-ready business leaders who are prepared to make ethical business decisions that reflect the interests of multiple stakeholders. Through partnerships with businesses in the Western New York community, the Wehle Business School emphasizes immersive, experience-based learning activities that reflect the interconnected and global nature of business.
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Canisius University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit university in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1870, it is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and the premier private university in Western New York. Through its seven schools and colleges, Canisius offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs, 65 master's programs, and a variety of professional degrees.
