Admissions Decision Criteria
- An official high school transcript
- Evidence of past performance and character
- Recommendations from teachers, counselors, or organizational leaders
- Optional: Results from either the SAT or ACT
Niagara University has rolling admissions and evaluates applications as they are received. Undergraduate and transfer students are able to apply at any time with no application deadline. Niagara’s admissions team provides an admission decision within three to four weeks of completion. Please note, that nursing application reviews can take longer given the competitiveness of the program.
Prospective students can obtain a digital or a paper version of our application via our website. Prospective students can also utilize the Common Application to apply.
Additional Requirements for Nursing Applications
A minimum of three years of high school science coursework. This should include at least one year of high school Chemistry with minimum earned grades of 80% (either year-end average or Regents exam scores as applicable) and at least one year of high school Biology with minimum earned grades of 80% (either year-end average or Regents exam scores as applicable).
Find Your Admissions Advisor
Admissions counselors are available to guide prospective students through the application process, answer questions and offer assistance. Consistent with our Catholic mission, Niagara University welcomes all students regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religious preference, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, or disability.
SAT/ACT Requirements for Fall 2023 Applicants
Niagara University has a test optional admissions policy for first-year undergraduate applicants for all majors and merit scholarship consideration.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to accept standardized test scores from students who believe their results are reflective of their academic abilities to succeed at the university.
Niagara will utilize the best score from among the two exams, the ACT and SAT for admission and scholarship consideration. Super-scoring the subsections of a test will occur within each test type only, providing students with the best possible outcome on that exam. Subsection super-scoring will not occur across the different test types.
For additional information regarding standardized test scores and their impact on Niagara University’s review of applications for admission and scholarship, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 716-286-8700.
In January 2023, the NCAA eliminated SAT/ACT test score requirements for initial eligibility for student-athletes.
If you have not received an admissions decision you may change your selection.
No. Niagara University has a test optional admissions policy for first-year undergraduate applicants for all majors and merit scholarship consideration.
Freshmen Applicants
Niagara University evaluates applicants based on their complete academic high school career.
A minimum of 16 academic units of secondary school coursework in areas such as English, mathematics, history, foreign language, and the sciences is required. A completed application should include an official high school transcript.
The items below are not required, but highly encouraged:
- Teacher or counselor recommendation
- A 250-word essay
- An extracurricular activities resume
- Optional: Results from the SAT (critical reading and math score) and/or ACT, in accordance with our test optional policy
Students who have not completed four years of high school should have an official GED record forwarded to the Admissions Office.
Transfer Students
Niagara University recognizes the special needs of transfer students and welcomes applications from students who are considering transferring to Niagara University. Students are admitted from other accredited junior and senior colleges and universities, provided that they are in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of transfer. Courses assigned a grade of C or better will be reviewed for transfer credit, however transfer credit is evaluated individually by the dean of each division. High school records and college transcripts sent to the Admissions Office must be official and complete. Niagara University has established articulation agreements with many community and junior colleges.
Readmission
Students seeking readmission to the university must file an application. Additional records of college work attempted or completed after their last attendance at Niagara University must be forwarded to the Office of Admissions. Candidates for readmission must have been in good standing at the time of their separation from Niagara University. Any student seeking readmission who was not in good academic standing at the time of their separation must file an Appeals Form with the Appeals Committee.
International Students
International students are a valued part of Niagara’s student body. International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit the results of their TOEFL examination. Documentation for F-1 Visa is required.
Advanced Placement
In general, Advanced Placement credit is awarded for scores of 3, 4 and 5 earned on the Advanced Placement tests administered by the College Board. The credits earned through this program are subject to the guidelines established by the various university departments. Students planning to take any of these tests should check with the Office of Admissions to make certain that the test is applicable to their degree program.
Early Admission and Early Decision
Students who complete high school in less than four years, or those who are committed to pursuing a Niagara University education, may apply to Niagara University under the Early Admissions or Early Decision Plan. The plan allows a student to apply during the summer between their junior and senior years.