Canisius named “Best Local University” for second consecutive year

Jase May, Contributor

For the second year in a row, Canisius University has been named “Best Local University” by The Buffalo News’ annual Best of 716 contest. The Best of 716 contest is a local voting poll in which people from all across the Buffalo area vote on a wide range of categories. From bars to attractions to home services, there’s little about 716 life you can’t find in the poll. Canisius came out on top in this year’s poll, beating out other prolific Western New York institutions like the University at Buffalo and Niagara University, with those particular schools being the top two finishers behind Canisius.

Canisius has been busy since its last win in the 2024 poll. In the past year, Canisius has introduced a plethora of new degrees and programs, and began construction on a new student success center sponsored by philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano. We’ve launched the new Buffalo Promise scholarship covering 100% of undergraduate tuition for select zip codes and welcomed a freshman class larger than we’ve welcomed in three years. All these advances, as well as the university’s prominent alumni base throughout the region, are all likely factors that contributed to Canisius taking the lead in these polls. 

This honor adds to the ever-increasing number of lists Canisius is nearing the top of these days. This summer, Canisius was recognized on Money Magazine’s list of Best Colleges in America for the incredible value it provides for its students. In the fall of 2024, Canisius was ranked among the 40 Best Colleges In The North by the U.S. News and World Report and U.S. News ranked Canisius among its list of four best value schools. It really is a great time to be a Golden Griffin.