Canisius or Niagara? (Buffalo, Albany, New Rochelle: crime, townhouses, dorms)

[wtd7575]

Any pros or cons on each? And how do they compare in such areas as academics. students, college expereience, etc. Thanks in advance.

[Canerican]

Are you talking about Niagara University, or the community college.

It depends on what experience you are going for. I would general recommend NU, but if you don't mind, how were your SAT scores, where are you from (the Buffalo area?), and what are YOU looking for in a college. That might help us help you a little more.

[Checkered24]

I am a Canisius College alum, but I cannot really speak about Niagara U. Both have good reputations in the area. Canisius is a city campus, in Buffalo at the corner of Main and Jefferson. It was mostly a commuter school when I first enrolled, and has transformed itself into a school with a much greater percentage of students living on campus.

[wtd7575]

Cleveland to be specific. Buffalo is the right distance. Catholic college only. Buffalo is similar to Cleveland so there is a comfort level. Not afraid of urban campuses but just wondering how safe the Canisius area is, and what about Niagara U. from a local perspective. We have no local inside scoop so to speak.. Thanks in advance.

[Checkered24]

I think the Canisius area is safe. Canisius has it's own public safety force, which do have full Officer status in the city of Buffalo, and they patrol the immediate area surrounding the college. Over the years, there has been an occasional incident, but I never once felt unsafe there. Minor crime might be the biggest issue. For instance, parking your car on the street a few blocks from campus instead of in a campus lot could lead to a break in if you leave something sitting out in the car.

There are many positives to the city campus IMO worth noting too. One is that it is sitting right on Buffalo's subway. The Subway isn't that spectacular, but it will get you downtown quickly, or out to the UB North campus. From anywhere along the route, busses can get you other places. So it is convenient to get around for anyone on campus without their own car. Also, it is within walking distance of Delaware Park, which is the centerpeace of the Buffalo's Olmstead Park system (and also has the Buffalo Zoo).

As I aluded to before, Canisius now has a large on campus residency, with all renovated or newly constructed dorms and townhouses (within about the last 10 years). Student accomodations are terrific! The main campus buildings are connected by tunnels too, which is nice in the winter. Although, as the campus has spread across and down mainstreet, some classes will likely require you to go outside.

I think your best bet might be to take a road trip and explore both campuses and where they are located. I don't think you would go wrong with either school. I would lean towards Canisius, but am obviously biased! Good luck!

[Canerican]

You mean the subway will get you to UB's south campus.

It really depends on what your son is going for. Canisius is right downtown, and very urban. It is in a fairly good location, but like was said, it's in a bad area for property crime (although, given the nature of colleges, property crime is usually high). NU is slightly suburban, but close to the highways he would need to go to Buffalo, or Canada (many students here go to Canada to party because the drinking age is 19 there).

I have been on both campuses, and I honestly prefer NU, simply because it feels more college-like. Canisius doesn't have the college feel to me.

I think that Canisius carries more prestige in the Buffalo area, but if you are looking to get a job in Western NY after you graduate, I would recommend NU.

Have you looked at SUNY - Buffalo though? It is a very large school, which is nationally far more recognized than CC or NU. I honestly think that job prospects out of UB (or grad school prospects) would be the best.

[wtd7575]

At Niagara it looks pretty self contained, but what about Canisius? What percent of students are living on campus, and would you consider Canisius more of a local school like John Carroll in Cleveland and Niagara as more of a naional or regional draw, just wondering.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by wtd7575

At Niagara it looks pretty self contained, but what about Canisius? What percent of students are living on campus, and would you consider Canisius more of a local school like John Carroll in Cleveland and Niagara as more of a naional or regional draw, just wondering.

Both, I would say, are regional or maybe considered by many throughout the state. They are similar, except that Canisius is more urban. There are plenty of similar schools across the stae like here in syracuse, we have LeMoyne College. In the Albany area, they have Siena and slightly smaller St. Rose. Poughkeepsie has Marist. Iona is in New Rochelle. All, except St. Rose play in the MAAC(LeMoyne will most likely be a member in a couple of years as they go D1 in all sports).

[coldwynn]

If you look at the files called "Common Data Set" for each school, you should get practically all the information you are looking for and can compare schools side-by-side.

Here is the link for the Canisius one:
Canisius College - Common Data Set

For example, if you look at section F of the 2008-09 CDS of CC, it states that 46.2% of students live on campus.

I'm having trouble finding NU's CDS. I tried both within and outside the NU website, maybe your googling skills are better than mine.

Anyway, I'll withhold my opinions as I work at Canisius.

[towa]

If you're looking for a Catholic college and you're in Cleveland, why not John Carroll?