Niagara University (NU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1856 by the Vincential Community, Niagara University is a private, liberal arts university located in Buffalo just 4 miles from the world-famous Niagara Falls. The school offers bachelor’s programs, pre-professional programs and graduate programs and also provides students with an opportunity to earn an accelerated masters degree via the combined degree program.

Niagara University offers plentiful recreational activities both on campus and in the surrounding community. Because of the school’s location, there are opportunities for outdoor activities year-round such as hiking, camping, water sports, skiing and myriad other activities. There are numerous student clubs and organizations as well as an active Greek life at NU. Since there are on-campus dormitories that provide student housing, the college is a great way to meet people and form lifelong friendships.

Information Summary

Ranks 68th in New York and 649th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	84.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$49,830
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1200
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	84% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,763

Academics

Niagara University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, several accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs, almost 10 pre-professional programs and more than 20 graduate majors, including a doctorate. Thanks to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, students may even choose to design their own courses of study in order to meet individual educational and career goals.

In addition to traditional classroom study, NU also offers evening classes, Saturday classes and online programs that allow students who wouldn’t be able to pursue higher education under standard circumstances to do so. There are several programs, both undergraduate and graduate, that can be completed entirely online.

Undergraduate Programs

Students working toward an undergraduate degree at Niagara University will do so through one of four colleges. The first three are standard at most colleges and include a College of Arts & Sciences, a College of Business Administration and a College of Business. The fourth college is not-so-standard: the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management, in which students may pursue degrees in programs such as lodging, foodservice management, recreation & sports management, tourism and entrepreneurship.

The College of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Niagara University was the first in the country to offer a degree in tourism and regularly ranks in the top 20 H&T programs in the United States. It’s also a founding member of The Leading Hotel Schools of the World and has partnerships with such heavy-hitters in the industry as Waldorf-Astoria and Carlson. Students may choose to study abroad or participate in the cruise abroad program with Carnival Cruise Lines. The program has much to offer and any student considering a career in this industry would do well to put Niagara University at the top of their list of schools.

Niagara University also has an active ROTC program, a study-abroad program, an Honors Program, and an Eagle Leadership Program for students that are interested in pursuing other goals in addition to standard academic participation.

Graduate Programs

Students wishing to earn a graduate degree from Niagara University may do so in one of three ways. There are the standard graduate programs that require students to apply for the program and attend traditional, weekday classes, and there are also programs that may be completed online either in whole or in part. The third way that a student may earn a graduate degree is by participating in one of the combined master’s programs. Students who choose the combined program can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 5 years instead of the standard 6.

Of the graduate programs offered, one in particular stands out. The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a 33-credit-hour program that allows a student to create an individual curriculum with a diverse blend of courses targeted at a particular theme of interest for the student. A core of nine foundational courses required but the degree can be a blend of methodological seminars, internships, independent study or thematic courses.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Niagara University evaluates incoming freshmen on both an academic and personal level and base admissions decisions on such considerations as scholastic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, recommendations, and evidence of past performance and character. The college has a rolling admissions policy and applications are generally informed of admissions decisions within a few weeks of application.

There are several items that are required in order for an application packet to be complete. These include the application and fee (the fee is only for those who submit paper applications), SAT/ACT scores, official high school transcripts or GED records, a counselor or teacher recommendation and an untimed, short essay.

Graduate Admissions

Admission to each graduate program at Niagara University has different application requirements but some general documents that students may be required to submit include the application and fee, standardized test scores such as the GRE or the GMAT, references, a resume, official transcripts of all colleges attended, and personal statements. Since requirements vary by program, students should work closely with their chosen program in order to ensure that a complete packet is submitted.

There are also separate requirements for transfer students and international students and those students should review the website and contact the school to ensure that all requirements are met.

Financial Aid

As a private school, Niagara University recognizes that some students automatically assume that they can’t afford an education, but that isn’t necessarily the case. The school works diligently to provide a financial aid packet substantial enough to make them affordable to most students. There are many different types of scholarships available to eligible students, including both need-based and merit-based awards, grants, federally subsidized loans and work-study programs.

Niagara University also offers locked in tuition rates to incoming freshman. This is an optional program that allows full-time students to lock in the same tuition rate for 4 years. The first year of tuition will be a bit higher than the rate is currently being charged, but it will average out and may even be lower by the end of the fourth year. As long as the student maintains full-time status, the rate stays locked.

In order to begin the process of applying for financial aid, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that’s available online beginning in January.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1700th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New York.

Athletics

Niagara University offers an NCAA Division I athletics organization that offers several different sports including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, hockey, soccer, swimming & diving and tennis. Men may also chooee to play baseball while women have the additional options of softball, lacrosse and volleyball. The Purple Eagles’ colors are purple and white.

In addition to varsity sports, NU also offers club and intramural sports as well as a wellness program for students who would like to get healthy and stay that way.

Bibliography

Niagara University. Education That Makes a Difference. Niagara University. 2011. Web. 3 Oct 2011.
PurpleEagles.com The Official Website of Niagara University Athletics. Niagara University. 2011. Web. 3 Oct 2011.
“Niagara University.” The Princeton Review. 2011. Web. 3 Oct 2011.

Niagara University