St. John Fisher University
Rochester, New York
St. John Fisher University has experienced significant enrollment and program growth, igniting fast-moving change to an already beautiful campus. It’s a place where tradition and innovation continue to be joined hand-in-hand.
The University stays true to the educational philosophy of its founders, applying liberal learning, high academic standards, and personal attention to each student.
Experiential learning and service-learning are central to all of Fisher’s 37 academic majors offered at the undergraduate level as well as many of its graduate programs. Students have countless chances throughout their years at the University to pursue internships and other networking opportunities as well as unique study abroad experiences.
Fisher students find everything they need to shape their future: a lively, inspiring, and welcoming campus community; the foundation of a liberal arts education that touches every part of their life; and the guidance of faculty whose expertise sheds light on students’ chosen fields. At Fisher, they find goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
Get to know St. John Fisher University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- Literary magazine
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Television station
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
College Highlights
“Fisher’s culture of service enriched my education. The community service event called Color the Roc, for example, stands out as one of my first big leadership roles on campus. I learned so many skills—and helped children in the Rochester City Schools.” – James Nguyen ’19
STUDY ABROAD
With over 100 Foreign Study programs to choose from, St. John Fisher University students have the incredible opportunity to combine adventure and academics. Both summer- and semester-long trips all across the globe bring courses to life, immersing students in the cultures of their destinations and expanding their social and professional networks far beyond the Fisher campus.
One of the latest and most exciting additions to Fisher’s study abroad options is its program in Galway, Ireland, created in partnership with Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This program, led by faculty from both schools, sends students to live and study with Irish students at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Through service-learning projects, University-wide clubs, and a dense cluster of surrounding communities, participants are sure to experience everything that Ireland has to offer.
CORE CURRICULUM
The University’s School of Arts and Sciences’ Core Curriculum reveals to students the importance of a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. In today’s job market, employers demand complex thinking and the ability to take on a variety of seemingly unrelated tasks. With a liberal arts foundation, Fisher students gain diverse skills alongside their majors, holding a wealth of knowledge in the sciences, arts, and humanities alike.
All students, regardless of their area of study, graduate with an intricate understanding of the world and the ability to develop and communicate their ideas clearly. It can be a challenge to succeed in the professional world without being capable of taking on a variety of tasks, so Fisher’s Core Curriculum prepares students to be versed in a little bit of everything.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 61 | 10-19: 223 | 20-29: 251
30-39: 103 | 40-49: 3 | 50-99: 3 | 100+: 3
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 0%
Hispanic/Latino: 5%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 85%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 2%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
“The faculty at Fisher are dedicated to the success of their students. They teach from passion, mentorship, and current experiences in the industries they represent.” – Claire Sauter ’18
FIRST-YEAR PROGRAM
The transition into college can be daunting, but Fisher’s First-Year Program makes every new student feel like they are part of the family. The summer before students begin their classes, they get the chance to attend Great Beginnings, a summer orientation session that is fully loaded with information about what students can expect for their first few months at the University. Later in August, they kick off their fall semesters with a three-day Orientation full of activities just prior to the start of classes. Students connect with new friends, learn about campus resources, and enter college with a firm foundation of what life at Fisher is all about.
The First-Year Seminar and Research-Based Writing classes come as part of the first-year academic package. These courses familiarize students with time management, study skills, self-care, and upper-level writing that will be crucial throughout their college experience. The first-year curriculum includes Learning Communities, tightly knit groups of students who take two classes together around a specific theme. Taught by professors of differing disciplines, these Learning Community classes help students understand the value of approaching topics from different perspectives and across different fields of study.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS
With 37 majors and minors and 11 pre-professional programs, Fisher caters to a diverse range of undergraduate student interests. Not only are all of Fisher’s programs rich with material that make students masters in their fields, but the University’s pre-health, pre-engineering, and pre-law programs also provide easy-to-follow course plans that make their educational careers go as smoothly as possible. Each pre-professional curriculum places students on accelerated paths that enable them to fulfill graduate school requirements before they earn their bachelor’s degrees. With graduate offerings across the University’s five Schools, students also have the opportunity to explore advanced degrees soon after their undergraduate careers.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Weekend college
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Fisher’s extracurricular activities are just as engaging as its academic programs. Through the Office of Campus Life, Fisher students have been able to create a thriving variety of clubs for the arts, social justice, sports, and much more. Every passion has a place at Fisher, and every student has a voice. Whether they want to delve deeper in their majors through academic organizations or enjoy entertainment, fun, or just downtime at any of the Student Activities Board’s campus-wide events, students are sure to fall in love with their campus community.
THE TEDDI DANCE FOR LOVE
Fisher’s longest-running student tradition, the Teddi Dance for Love, is a fun, inspiring event that exemplifies the University’s commitment to service. It calls upon hundreds of students every year to raise money for Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization that brings life-changing experiences to children diagnosed with cancer. A 24-hour dance marathon that features live performances and nonstop dancing, the Teddi Dance for Love helps children and families affected by cancer, all while creating memories that Fisher students will value for the rest of their lives. To date, the event has raised over $1 million.
CAMPUS DIVERSITY
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs celebrates the rich culture within Fisher’s campus, providing a platform for all of the University’s voices to be heard. Through different programs and initiatives, the Office works to create inclusive environments for people of varying ethnic, racial, economic, and religious backgrounds.
Fisher students are driven by social justice and work closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs to host events and initiatives that bolster diversity in the Fisher community and beyond.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Fisher is located 10 minutes from Downtown Rochester, the third most populous city in New York. With a reputation for higher education; medical and other health services; and businesses in finance, marketing, and other industries, the city ranks high in quality-of-life surveys. Students also have their choice of a variety of off-campus internship and experiential learning opportunities.
ATHLETICS
Fisher competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference, the ECAC, and the Liberty League (men’s and women’s rowing). In the 2018-2019 seasons, seven of Fisher’s 24 intercollegiate athletic programs advanced to the NCAA Championships, and two national individual champions emerged.
“We have established an environment where the number-one priority is academic excellence followed by a commitment to the team and to their teammates. Our success, academically and athletically, is testament to how our athletes have embraced this perspective.” – Mike Henchen, head track and field coach
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 88%
Undergraduates: 52%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Women’s dorms
Special housing for disabled students
SERVICE-LEARNING
Service-Learning and Civic Engagement helps incorporate community service into Fisher’s academic courses. These acts of service help develop students’ civic responsibility and compassion, all while enriching their education. Assignments, field trips, and workshops motivate students to think critically as they make a positive impact on their community.
A small sample of service-learning opportunities include a sociology course that has students interact with elderly individuals and discuss and analyze social trends of the human life course; a biology course that conducts research for the benefit of teenagers living with cancer; and an education course that provides literacy support to underprivileged children. It is through Fisher’s service-learning program that courses come alive and allow students to see real results of their hard work.
CENTER FOR CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLANNING
The Center for Career and Academic Planning offers an integrated approach to student success at St. John Fisher University. Advisors are committed to helping students to excel academically, explore careers and industries, and develop professional skills and experiences.
The Fisher Edge, the University’s integrated approach to student success, offers premier opportunities for students to benefit from team-based advising, guidance in career exploration, an introduction to internships and other experiential learning opportunities, and on-time degree completion in four years or less.
Online tools, including Handshake and Cardinal Connections, connect students with internship and job opportunities while also affording them the opportunity to connect with alumni to expand their network.
“Fisher provided me with a network. I was able to connect and learn from other students, professors, and alumni. I had opportunities to walk alongside members of the community to raise money for cancer research, experience two internships in different fields, and accept a full-time position with a Fisher alumnus immediately after I graduated. The people I have met through Fisher gave me the support and tools I needed to succeed.” – Molly Zies ’19
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Fisher alumni are making an impact in their communities and beyond, living as testaments to the University’s transformative education. Even in such a competitive job market, Fisher is represented in all fields of work. Graduates let their talents shine as educators, analysts, doctors, artists, athletes, and more. It is with Fisher’s curriculum, community, and resources that its alumni are as prepared as possible to face the challenges of the world beyond college.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Recommendation(s) Character/personal qualities | Alumni/ae relation
Important
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Application Essay | Interview
Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | Volunteer work
Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
Considered
First generation | Geographical residence | State residency
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 620
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 630
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 22 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 27
ACT English
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 26
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $33,500
Fees: $810
Room: $7,940
Board: $4,460
Aid
Fisher offers a range of unique scholarship opportunities, including the First-Generation and Service Scholarships as well as the Honor Program and S-Stem Scholars Program. From general academic merit awards to scholarships that focus on everything from science to service to foreign languages, the University makes funding available for high-achieving incoming students. In fact, 100% of incoming students receive some form of financial assistance with an average offer of nearly $22,000 for first-year students. Applications are received on a rolling basis.
What Others are Saying
Contact St. John Fisher University
Contact Admissions
sjf.edu/admissions-aid/freshman-admissions
(585) 385-8064
admissions@sjf.edu
Campus Location
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 385-8000