Niagara University

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

School Says - General Information
Founded in 1856 by the Vincentian fathers and brothers, Niagara University (NU) is a private, Catholic, comprehensive, co-educational institution. Located minutes from the scenic Niagara Falls, Niagara University's suburban campus is a blend of historic ivy-covered structures and elegant modern buildings. There are more than 3,000 undergraduates and about 950 graduate students at Niagara. NU is comprised of four academic divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Business Administration, and the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management. While at NU, students have access to a range of support services that help them develop. To assist incoming students who have not decided on a field of study, NU offers the award-winning Academic Exploration Program (AEP). In addition, select students have the opportunity to participate in the honors program, a special academic program designed to stimulate and challenge accomplished students.

The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Niagara University. NU also holds the other accreditations and memberships. Its programs in education are accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Its business programs are accredited the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB International). Its social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and the department of chemistry has the approval of the American Chemical Society. The Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration accredits NU's Hospitality & Tourism Management curriculum. NU's faculty is dedicated to teaching and takes an active interest in their students' academic and personal growth. With a student-faculty ratio of just 14:1 and an average class size of about 25, students have ample opportunity for personal interaction with their professors.

School Says - Student Body
NU has an active, diverse, and social campus culture, with more than 80 student-operated clubs and organizations. Ranging from academic and cultural groups to social and athletic clubs, NU has an activity to suit every taste. Niagara is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes in men's and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, ice hockey, swimming and diving, tennis, and soccer, men's baseball , and women's volleyball and softball. There is also an active intramural and recreational athletic program.

Students seeking off-campus activities need go no further than the Campus Activities Office. This office coordinates many off-campus excursions to local attractions, professional sports competitions, theatre events, and trips to Toronto. Campus Activities also provides local transportation by means of the NU Cruiser. The NU Cruiser transports students to a central area with a bank, grocery store, outlet mall and eateries.

School Says - Academics
Through the College of Arts and Sciences, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in the following areas of study: chemistry, with concentration in chemistry or environmental studies; communications studies; English; French; history; international studies; liberal arts; life sciences; mathematics; philosophy; political science with concentration in political science or environmental studies; psychology; religious studies; social sciences; sociology; and Spanish. NU also offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre studies and the Associate in Arts in general studies. NU offers the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a concentration in biochemistry or bioinformatics; biology with concentration in biology, biotechnology, or environmental studies; chemistry with concentration in chemistry, computational chemistry, or environmental studies; computer and information sciences; criminology and criminal justice; mathematics; and social work. The College of Arts and Sciences also offers a five-year B.S./M.S. program in criminal justice. Niagara University also offers several pre-professional partnerships with other universities. In conjunction with the State University of New York at Buffalo, NU offers a 3+4 partnership in dentistry and pharmacy. In conjunction with The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, NU also offers a 3+4 partnership in medicine and a 2+3 program in pharmacy. Qualified students are eligible to apply for early assurance at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

For students who do not wish to declare a major, the University offers the award-winning Academic Exploration Program to help them explore fields and hone their individual interests.

Through the College of Business Administration, students can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration, accounting, or a Bachelor of Science degree iin economics, finance, general business, marketing and management with concentrations in human resources, international business, management, and supply chain management. The College of Business Administration also offers a five-year B.B.A./M.B.A. degree in accounting. Students in this division can also pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree in business.

The College of Education offers Bachelor's degree programs for the New York State initial certification in early childhood and childhood (birth-grade 6), childhood (grades 1-6), childhood and middle childhood (grades 1-9), adolescence (grades 7-12), special education & childhood (grades 1-6) special education and adolescence (grades 7-12) and TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (grades K-12) . Education majors must choose an academic concentration in English, mathematics, social studies, French, Spanish, biology, chemistry, or business. Education students who choose a concentration in business education can only pursue certification for grades 5-12.

Students in the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management may receive a Bachelor of Science in hotel & restaurant management with concentrations in hotel & restaurant planning and control, foodservice management, restaurant entrepreneurship; sport management with a concentration in sports operations; tourism and recreation management with concentrations in special events & conference management and tourism destination management.

NU also offers pre-professional programs in pre-dental, pre-legal, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary; and Army-ROTC.

School Says - Admissions
Niagara University encourages all men and women whose aptitude and demonstrated academic achievement in high school or college give evidence of their ability to successfully complete the various university programs to apply for admission. Consistent with our Catholic mission, Niagara University welcomes all students, regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, or marital status.

To apply for admission, freshmen students must complete an admissions application; submit a $30.00 application fee, their official high school transcript including official scores from the SAT or ACT- and an personal statement or essay.. It is anticipated that all students who apply for admissions will complete and will receive their high school diploma prior to the first day of classes at N.U. Although not required, NU recommends that prospective students schedule an admissions interview and a tour of campus.

Transfer students may apply to enter any of the three semesters - fall, spring, or summer. Transfer students must complete an admissions application, submit a $30.00 application fee, an official high school transcript, official transcript(s) from any college/university previously/presently attending, and, if appropriate, a list of courses being pursued at the time of the application. A personal statement or essay is also required. The dean of each academic division evaluates transfer credit.

Students who complete a strong high school curriculum in three years can apply for early admission. New York State residents who come from an economically and educationally disadvantaged background may apply through the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP).

International students should refer to our web-site at www.niagara.edu/admissions/intl.htm for complete application information.

School Says - Campus Life
Located in western New York, Niagara University's suburban campus is located outside the quaint village of Lewiston, N.Y. and within minutes of Niagara Falls, N.Y. The campus is also about 20 minutes from Buffalo, N.Y. and 90 minutes from Toronto, Canada. This area boasts a wide variety of resources and attractions, including the world-famous Niagara Falls. In addition, the Canadian border and the vibrant cities of Toronto and Buffalo are easily accessible from NU. The campus community is an ideal size, combining a strong community spirit with a friendly campus setting.

Residence life at NU is a creative, social, and educational. Student rooms have comfortable furniture and hookups for telephone, cable television, and computers. Commuting students and resident students discover that the University offers a wide range of programs and activities designed to help new students become a part of the NU community and the surrounding area.

School Says - Cost Aid
Fees for the 2009-2010 academic year included: tuition $23,700; room and board $10,250 and student fees $1,000.Over 98 percent of the incoming freshmen at NU receive financial assistance. NU offers a merit-based scholarship and grant program, as well as athletic, transfer, service, and talent scholarships. Niagara encourages students of all financial backgrounds to apply to the University.

Students Say - Academics
A medium-sized Catholic college in the Vincentian tradition, Niagara University offers a range of manageable, interesting, and practical majors programs, enhanced by a highly supportive and student-oriented atmosphere. In the classroom, "professors here don't simply stand up and lecture; they give you an experience that will take you the step above the rest." Most importantly, small class sizes promote "discussion-based and hands-on activities that allow students to be a part of the learning process." In fact, "the classes are more like learning communities," in which professors strive to "engage students about topics that interest them." Mentors as well as instructors, "professors are usually available during the week to chat or talk about class. And they encourage us to talk about other things, like jobs or graduate school." Additionally, the educational program at Niagara emphasizes ethics and service. All undergraduates are required to take philosophy and religion courses, designed to "help shape us into better people and help us understand what the real world is going to be all about." In most cases, it is this holistic approach that sets Niagara apart. A senior shares, "I've grown in so many ways, and my professors have always been around to help push just a little bit harder than I was willing to push myself. It sounds cliché, but knowing they believe and want the best for me helps me believe and want the best for me."

Students Say - Campus Life
For most students, life at Niagara is "fast-paced and full of activity." Beyond academics, there are a multitude of clubs and student groups, including "the poetry society, outdoors club, diversity club, and intramural sports." In particular, "the newspaper and the theater are wildly popular," and "the campus ministry program is huge on community service, as there are many opportunities, even to serve on week-long trips." With competitive Division I sports, "most social activities at Niagara are centered around athletics," and school pride is vibrant across the community. Many students hail from the surrounding region, and therefore, "a good portion of student tends to go home for the weekend." Others head to Canada to party, or take advantage of the "great hiking trails around the Niagara River Gorge."

Students Say - Student Body
Niagara is a Catholic college, and Vincentian values infuse the academic and extracurricular programs. Even so, "most students and teachers are pretty open-minded," and the community welcomes all faiths and upbringings. Located near the U.S.-Canada border, most Niagara students come from towns within "a three-hour radius" of campus. While there are "not a lot of unique or different kids," the environment is accepting. A first-year student explains, "I don't think that this is the most diverse campus, but it definitely has a very welcoming atmosphere. With its foundations on Vincentian beliefs, doing well by others is a key goal here at Niagara." When it comes to hobbies and pastimes, you'll find a "diverse set of interests" on the NU campus, and with "so many clubs and organizations on campus, there is bound to be one you can fit into." Overall, Niagara students describe their classmates as "friendly, helpful, intelligent, understanding, and committed to their studies."

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