St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution in the Catholic tradition of American higher education located in Pittsford, N.Y., just outside of Rochester. Guided since its inception in 1948 by the educational philosophy of the Congregation of St. Basil, the University emphasizes liberal learning for students in traditional academic disciplines, as well as for those in more directly career-oriented fields. Fisher welcomes qualified students, faculty, and staff regardless of religious or cultural background. Fisher provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master's and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, and pharmacy. As Fisher moves forward into the future, it stays true to its Catholic heritage and honors the Basilians by embracing their motto, "Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge."
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Stacy Ledermann
Director of Freshman Admissions
Director of Freshman Admissions
Address
Office of Admissions
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 146183597
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 146183597
Phone
585-385-8064
Email
admissions@sjf.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Upper Quad Dorm
Chapel
Student Life Center
Growney Stadium
Lavery Library
Chapel
Student Life Center
Growney Stadium
Lavery Library
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Park Avenue Area
Erie Canal/Village of Pittsford
East View Mall
Rochester Auditorium Theater
Wegman's
Erie Canal/Village of Pittsford
East View Mall
Rochester Auditorium Theater
Wegman's
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and select Saturdays
8:30am to 4:30 pm
585-385-8064
8:30am to 4:30 pm
585-385-8064
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Selected Saturdays and during the summer
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@sjf.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
Scheduled for accepted students only
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
City bus travels throughout the Rochester metropolitan region; university-run shuttle visits local shopping centers; airport terminal, Amtrak and Greyhound stations are in Rochester; taxicabs are available.
Driving Instructions to Campus
St. John Fisher University is located six miles southeast of Rochester, NY, in the suburb of Pittsford. The New York State Thruway runs south of the city.
The easiest approach is from Thruway Exit 45, which is marked ?Rochester-490.?
From that point, take I-490 for about 10 minutes to Exit 25, Fairport Road/NY 31F.
Turn left onto Rt31F going west and proceed to the main entrance of campus.
The main entrance of the College is one-half mile from I-490, at a traffic light where Fairport Road meets East Avenue (Route 96).
Local Accommodations
A list of available lodging can be found at https://www.sjf.edu/visit/area-accommodations/
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Early Decision
Early Decision Application Deadline: December 1
Is Fisher your first choice? If so, apply under our Early Decision Plan! If accepted under Early Decision, you'll have until March 1 to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit. We also expect that you will withdraw your applications from other colleges once accepted to Fisher under this option.
Regular Decision/Rolling Admissions
Regular admissions to Fisher occur on a "rolling" basis. The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in the fall. While there is no application deadline, most applications are received before February 15.
In addition, Fisher subscribes to the Candidates Reply Date Agreement, which means you'll have until May 1 to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit.*
First-Year Application Deadlines
General First-Year Student Application Requirements
An application is complete once the following have been received:
Early Decision Application Deadline: December 1
Is Fisher your first choice? If so, apply under our Early Decision Plan! If accepted under Early Decision, you'll have until March 1 to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit. We also expect that you will withdraw your applications from other colleges once accepted to Fisher under this option.
Regular Decision/Rolling Admissions
Regular admissions to Fisher occur on a "rolling" basis. The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in the fall. While there is no application deadline, most applications are received before February 15.
In addition, Fisher subscribes to the Candidates Reply Date Agreement, which means you'll have until May 1 to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit.*
First-Year Application Deadlines
- Continuous: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
- December 1: Early decision application deadline
- January 15:
- Merit-based scholarship consideration
- Priority application submission to the nursing program
- Submission of your FAFSA (School Code: 002821)
- March: Financial aid awards mailed
- May 15: Admissions deposit deadline (*The Universal Candidate Reply Date is May 1, but given the impacts of the FAFSA delay, we will welcome deposits through May 15 to allow students and their families the time needed to make the most informed decision.)
General First-Year Student Application Requirements
An application is complete once the following have been received:
- Completed Common Application (free to apply online)
- Official high school transcript (including a list of senior year courses and grades available)
- Official SAT or ACT scores
(Note: Fisher is test-optional. Test scores are considered official if sent from the testing agency or directly from the high school.) - Counselor/Teacher Recommendation
- Common Application essay or graded paper
- Additional letters of recommendation (optional)
- Additional information such as an activities résumé (optional)
Overview
Applicants: 4,600
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average HS GPA: 3.54
GPA Breakdown
4%
4.0
31%
3.75 - 3.99
36%
3.50 - 3.74
10%
3.25 - 3.49
10%
3.00 - 3.24
8%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
560 - 640
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
560 - 640
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
1120 - 1210
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
24.25 - 29
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Early Decision — December 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Recommendation(s)
Non-Academic
Character / Personal Qualities
Alumni/ AE Relation
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Accounting
American Studies
Anthropology
Athletic Performance
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Economics
Education
—Inclusive (Special)–Adolescence
—Inclusive (Special)–Childhood
English
—Literature concentration
—Writing concentration
Film and Television
Finance
—Corporate Finance track
—Financial Planning track
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Studies
Legal Studies (Pre-Law)
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Media and Communication
Nursing
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Health
Public Relations
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Sport Management
Sustainability
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Chiro
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Med
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Podiatry
Pre-Public Health
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
American Studies
Anthropology
Athletic Performance
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Economics
Education
—Inclusive (Special)–Adolescence
—Inclusive (Special)–Childhood
English
—Literature concentration
—Writing concentration
Film and Television
Finance
—Corporate Finance track
—Financial Planning track
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Studies
Legal Studies (Pre-Law)
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Media and Communication
Nursing
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Health
Public Relations
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Sport Management
Sustainability
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Chiro
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Med
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Podiatry
Pre-Public Health
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
12:1
Total Faculty
426
with Terminal Degree
219
275
Women
151
Men
51
Minority
21
International
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
64%
Graduate in 5 years
71%
Graduate in 6 years
72%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting and Related Services.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies.
Communication, General.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance.
-
EDUCATION.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
French Language Teacher Education.
History Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Physics Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
French Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Public Health, General.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Legal Studies, General.
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate).
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
Statistics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Sustainability Studies.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Criminology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
Students Say
St. John Fisher University offers undergraduates a “welcoming family environment” and strong “sense of community.” And from the moment your freshman year begins, it’s evident that “most of the staff are very supportive of students and their needs.” It also doesn’t hurt that “the dining hall is absolutely fantastic.” Moreover, undergrads appreciate that they can tap into multiple resources like the “math center, tutoring [or] writing workshops” should they need help. Plus, there are “lots of opportunities for networking and internships if the student puts the effort in.” When it comes to academic programs, people like to highlight the “amazing nursing school...where...students graduate with a 100% pass rate of the NCLEX.” Others quickly note that the university is also “known for [its] education...and pharmacy [programs].” Regardless of your chosen major, you can bank on receiving a really “individualized education” since “class sizes are small.” For the most part, undergrads say the faculty is “amazing,” “welcoming and engaging.” As this student shares, “I have never had a professor who didn't know my name and offer resources outside of the classroom.” A classmate seconds this adding, “Anytime I have a question or just want to chat I can wander into a professor's room to talk. They are amazing educators and truly love having us as students.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
64%
Graduate in 5 years
71%
Graduate in 6 years
72%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
2024-2025 Tuition:
Tuition $40,090
Room/Board $14,908
Comprehensive Fee $1,100
Financial Aid
100% of incoming undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more on our website.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Mar 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
State Aid
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$25,633
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,087
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,370
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
81%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$45,774
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$22,973
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$38,566
Required Fees
$1,100
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$650
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$1,500
Transportation for Commuters
$600
On-Campus Room and Board
$14,342
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Nursing Scholarships
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Perkins Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Total enrollment is approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year, with 2,700 undergraduate students and just over 1,000 graduate students.
Our growing directory of over 50 clubs and organizations, is an integral piece of the student experience. Clubs give students a space to connect with other students around mutual interests, challenge themselves to try something new, develop leadership skills, and build on their academic experience in meaningful ways. Clubs range from academic to performing arts, club sports to special interest, and faith-based and service/wellness clubs. Students can learn more on our website.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
2,596
Foreign Countries Represented
4
Demographics
3.83%
Asian
5.26%
Black
7.20%
Hispanic
80.00%
Caucasian
1.12%
Unknown
58% female
42% male
6% are out of state
98% are full time
2% are part time
Students Say
Prospective students considering St. John Fisher will be delighted to learn that undergraduates here are “a very welcoming and friendly group, especially towards first-year's making the transition.” Indeed, it’s the kind of place where students “always hold the door open for people behind them.” You can even “expect strangers to smile at you.” Of course, undergrads love that their classmates are “hard-working” and “continuously pushing themselves in academics and athletics.” They also readily acknowledge that their peers are “predominantly white,” “rich and preppy” and mostly “from upstate New York.” Further, students note that there’s “a higher ratio of girls than boys, mostly due to the nursing program.” Nevertheless, even if you don’t fit within those parameters, it’s still easy to find your place. As this student reveals, “I always feel safe, accepted and loved here at Fisher, where I can express my own opinions and get amazing feedback and help where needed.” Ultimately, undergrads stress that their peers really support one another and “all want each other to succeed.” And they promise that “if there is anything you need, someone will be there [for] you.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located just beyond Rochester, New York, the University's 160-acre residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and through online offerings, attracts students from more than 30 states.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
As an award-winning campus, Fisher maintains cutting-edge facilities at five Schools to promote student learning and exploration. With a robust athletics program, nationally-ranked dining, and modern spaces for student engagement, Fisher cultivates an environment that students can call their home away from home. Explore our campus and facilities to see a glimpse of what it's like to learn and live at St. John Fisher University.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Fisher provides many resources to help students take advantage of pre-career learning experiences like internships, job shadowing, mentored research, fieldwork, and more. Students also have access to Handshake, a one-stop shop resource for national, regional, and local internship opportunities and career exploration.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
55%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
First-Year Students living on campus
86%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
93/99
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Students Say
Sure, students at St. John Fisher are dedicated to their studies. However, when they need a respite from their schoolwork, they can find plenty to distract them. You’ll often see undergrads flocking to the “recreation room in main campus, which includes pool tables, ping pong, a stage and a multitude of other options.” If you’re looking for more structured activities, students say that “the clubs at Fisher are amazing, as there is something for everyone.” These include pre-professional groups like “investment club” and “marketing club” as well as more cultural offerings like the “Irish dance club” and the “Fisher Players [who] perform plays and musicals.” One extremely popular campus organization is Teddi Dance for Love which “hold[s] a 24 hour dance marathon to raise money for kids who attend Camp Good Days.” And given that the student body features “a large [number] of athletes,” lots of people “enjoy working out and spending time at the gym.” Fisher itself sponsors numerous events like “guest speaker[s and]...local art/film viewing[s].” Lastly, should you need a break from campus, it’s easy to take “trips to the mall, [attend local] concerts [or even head to an] amusement park.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Joy Breeden
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
79
Number of Honor Societies
10
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
2
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
29% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Cardinals)
12 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Wrestling
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Cardinals)
12 Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rochester Institute of Technology
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Rochester
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rochester Institute of technology
LGBT Support Groups: Fisher Pride Union is a student organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate the various forms of diversity by fostering understanding and tolerance with particular regard and sensitivity to issues of sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identitiy, and concerns of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer community in the world, specifically as it pertains to student life at St. John Fisher University.
Minority Support Groups: The purpose of Black Student Union is to provide a forum for students to learn about issues influencing the Black experience, and to explore Black culture and heritage. Activities include workshops, lectures, and cultural celebrations. Membership is open to all Fisher students.
The Asian Student Union encourages Asian students to be more active in campus activities and to enrich the SJF community with different aspects of Asian culture.
The foundation of the Latino Student Union is the Spanish culture. The goal of the organization is to make the campus knowledgeable about the Spanish culture in the most positive way through cultural celebrations, workshops, and speakers.
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rochester Institute of Technology
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Rochester
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rochester Institute of technology
Sustainability
79/99
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
No
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
