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7 minutes read·Last updated on Feb 5, 2026

Student Guide: St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher University, a private Catholic university located in Rochester, New York, provides more than 37 undergraduate majors, 15 graduate programs, and doctoral degrees. They offer undergraduate programs in nursing, business administration, biology, psychology, and education, with computer science, data analytics, sustainability, and athletic performance. Graduate programs offer a flexible evening MBA, MS in Nursing, Educational Leadership, Mental Health Counseling, and PhD/PharmD options. The single campus gives flexibility for working adults and a strong ROI in health or business careers.

Initially established in 1948 by the Basilian Fathers, as today the institution is thriving with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, holding over 600 undergrads and 1000 grads, which leads to a close, knit community that puts emphasis on personal growth and social justice.

St John Fisher University Campus 

In addition to having an award-winning campus, St. John Fisher University has 5 schools with cutting-edge facilities to actively promote student learning and exploration. Besides that, Fisher is a community that offers an enriching environment in which students can make their home away from home through a great athletics program, nationally ranked dining, and modern spaces for student engagement. 

St John Fisher University Rankings

In 2026, St. John Fisher, a private Catholic liberal arts school in Rochester, was marked as the World Report’s Best Colleges 2026, placing it at #179 among 436 National Universities, with being the 46th Best Value School nationally. Niche 2026 is the 34th out of 121 Best Colleges in New York and 492nd nationwide, with an A for academics backed by a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Among the highlights are Wegmans Nursing, pharmacy and DIII athletics. Judging by the 68% acceptance rate of the University, Fisher is a story of accessible excellence, and rankings confirm its growth in employability and affordability.

St John Fisher University Courses

St. John Fisher University is home to 5 schools (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Pharmacy/ Nursing. It offers over 37 undergraduate majors, 15 graduate programs, and doctoral degrees with a liberal arts emphasis and a personal touch in education. Most freshmen choose continuing the top majors. Besides that, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Sustainability are also popular choices. For graduates, there are flexible evening MBA, MS in Nursing, Education Leadership, Mental Health Counseling, and PharmD/EdD/PhD programs that are among the most popular.

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LEVELKEY PROGRAMS
Undergraduate (BA/BS)Accounting, Biology, Business Admin (online completion), Computer Science, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Nursing, Psychology, Education
Graduate (MS/MBA)DNP (various NP tracks), Mental Health Counseling, Inclusive Education (Childhood/Adolescence), Library Media, Strategic Communication
DoctoralPharmD (Pharmacy), EdD (Executive Leadership)
Minors/CertsAI Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Gender Studies, Public Health

Flexible online and hybrid formats are a good fit for adults, while pre-professional tracks in health and law are a good fit for college students. 

St John Fisher University Tuition

St. John Fisher University offers competitive private tuition. Financial assistance lowers net costs to $28,000-$30,000 for 75% of students, rendering it accessible through merit scholarships, need-based grants, and FAFSA.

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CategoryCost (USD/year)
Undergrad Tuition$39,666
Grad Tuition$19,912
Room & Board$14,342–$15,742
Books/Supplies$1,100
TOTAL COST~$56,508

The average net price after help is $28,969, with 75% of students receiving $30,592 packages.

St John Fisher University Scholarships

St. John Fisher University is quite generous in offering financial support to students. They grant automatic merit scholarships to the undergraduates. The mean value of these scholarships is $30, 000. This significantly lowers the net cost of attending the school and thus makes high-quality private education at a prestigious institution very accessible.

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SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORYAWARD DETAILS
Fisher Merit Scholarships$10,000–$22,000/year (renewable 8 semesters) based on high school GPA
Transfer Achievement Awards$8K–$16K/year for transfers from community colleges with strong GPA/credits
Honors Program Scholarship$2K/year for high achievers invited (92+ GPA equivalent)
Flower City Award$5K/year for students from outside the state or Nassau/Suffolk counties
Legacy Award$1K/year for children/spouses of alumni or current students
Fisher Urban Scholars$10K/year for Rochester city students demonstrating leadership
Endowed ScholarshipsOver 100 opportunities through FAFSA

Awards can be combined with federal/state aid

St John Fisher University Admission

St. John Fisher University, in Rochester, NY, keeps a comprehensive and somewhat selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%. The goal is to find students who are a good fit for the university’s Catholic liberal arts mission and its career-focused programs. Freshers submit their applications through either the free Common App or the Fisher portal. The university operates a rolling admission process for students submitting their applications for the first time. Official high school transcripts showing a competitive GPA (3.53- 3.8) range. A letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher, with a personal statement, or a graded writing sample. Students are not required to submit test scores, but it is recommended that they do so if they have their scores available. Besides that, students may also enhance their profiles by demonstrating leadership in extracurricular activities, enrolling in challenging courses, and taking the option of interviews.

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Transfer students are required to submit the Fisher application. Along with the college transcripts, a minimum of 2.75 GPA is required if the credits are 24 or more. High school transcripts are necessary, and you may be eligible to transfer. Graduate admissions depend on the program in question. International students should be proficient in English, where a demonstration can be made through TOEFL iBT 79+, IELTS 6.5+, or Duolingo 105+. Virtual tours and in-person campus visits are two great ways to get familiar with and decide on the right university. 93% post-grad placement rate is one of the many benefits of graduating from a university located in the flourishing Rochester industries.

St John Fisher University Reviews

Students at St. John Fisher University highlight the warm and welcoming "Fisher Family." The atmosphere ensures that everyone feels a sense of belonging from day one. Students majoring in nursing and business are among those taking advantage of the 93% job placement figure that is attributed to hands-on lab sessions and the impressive medical setting of Rochester, providing an easy transition to careers. Campus life has DIII Cardinals sports at Growney Stadium, a wide array of clubs where members forge friendships that last a lifetime, and events that attract students, such as hibachi dinners. The possibility of online studies and freedom of schedule, even during the pandemic, and staff who really care about students. 

The campus showcases some beautiful areas where you can take outdoor walks and relax, such as LeChase Quad, Keating Terrace, the Terrace at Tepas Commons, and many more. There is a variety of training spaces, such as the track and field complex, stadium, indoor courts, video room, wrestling pavilion, etc. Simply minutes away from Rochester, St.John Fisher University’s campus in Pittsford, New York features 154, 164 acres of beautifully landscaped park, like grounds with mature greenery and winding roads, to which are added 24 modern buildings constituting a suburban oasis with a warm welcoming atmosphere.

St John Fisher University Placement 

98% of St. John Fisher University graduates were placed just one year later. Graduates were either engaged in the labour market or continuing with further education, which was tracked through. The median earnings of these graduates have reached 40% higher than the national median. Moreover, the university has nursing and business programs aligned with the medical corridor of Rochester. With graduates landing a job or continuing their education right after graduation, Fisher's preparation for a career turns degrees into flourishing futures.

St John Fisher University Accommodation

The Rochester Student Housing provides a guarantee for new first-year students on campus for all three years of their studies. Nine residence halls, such as Dorsey, Keough, Founders, and the contemporary Upper Quad, feature such accommodations. These fully furnished doubles, suites, and a few singles are equipped with Wi-Fi, cable, laundry, kitchens, and lounges in a secure, non-smoking environment of a suburban setting, a perfect combination of community and convenience to your class locations.

Many students choose off-campus apartments near St. John Fisher University. Just 5–10 miles from the campus, offering independence while staying close for classes and events. Popular options include apartments like The Province and Park Point, providing furnished studios, 1 to 4 bedroom shared units with amenities such as in-unit laundry, gyms, study lounges, and bike storage. Pittsford and Brighton areas deliver quiet suburban vibes with easy access via RTS buses. Upperclassmen appreciate pet-friendly student apartments near Rochester ny and near Wegmans and internships in Rochester's medical corridor, balancing budgets ($700–$1,200/month, utilities included) with social perks like downtown nightlife. The leases typically run August–July, with sublets common. This setup fosters personal growth amid Fisher's community spirit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of institution is St. John Fisher University?

St. John Fisher University is a private university in Rochester, New York that provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level programs.

What academic programs are offered at St. John Fisher University?

The educational programs at the university run through nursing, education, business, pharmacy, sciences, and liberal arts.

What are the core values of the St. John Fisher University community?

The university follows Catholic and Basilian traditions and values service, integrity, and respect, also being inclusive.

How is student life at St. John Fisher University?

Students enjoy a close, knit community with the benefits of small classes, various campus organizations, sports, leadership opportunities, and a welcoming campus environment.

In what ways is St. John Fisher University equipping its students for the world of work?

The university fosters global awareness through study abroad programs, short-term international experiences, and cross-cultural engagement.

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