St. Bonaventure University
Allegany, United States
St. Bonaventure University
Allegany, United States
Founded
1858
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
2,000+
Acceptance Rate
82%
Discover St. Bonaventure University: A Franciscan Tradition of Excellence
Discover St. Bonaventure University: A Franciscan Tradition of Excellence
St. Bonaventure University is a private, Catholic university founded in 1858 by Franciscan friars in the town of Allegany in southwestern New York State. Named after St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the Patron of Franciscan Studies and Learning, the university sits on a scenic 500-acre campus and is rooted in a mission of educational excellence informed by Franciscan and liberal arts traditions.
The university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and programs, along with numerous graduate degrees distributed across five academic schools. Known for its strong journalism, business, and education programs, St. Bonaventure has produced six Pulitzer Prize-winning writers and boasts a tight-knit community where personalized attention and meaningful relationships are central to the student experience.
St. Bonaventure is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and holds programmatic accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), among others. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university is ranked No. 25 among Regional Universities in the North and No. 10 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Key Milestones
- 1858: Founded as St. Bonaventure's College by Franciscan friars with the support of Nicholas Devereux and Bishop John Timon of Buffalo.
- 1875: Provisionally chartered by the Regents of the State of New York for instruction in liberal arts and sciences.
- 1939: The Franciscan Institute was founded, becoming the preeminent center in North America for Franciscan research and scholarship.
- 1950: St. Bonaventure's College was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents.
Academic Schools and Programs at St. Bonaventure
Academic Schools and Programs at St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and over 20 graduate programs across five academic schools. Each school integrates a liberal arts foundation with Franciscan values, fostering ethical decision-making, community engagement, and professional readiness.
School of Arts and Sciences
The largest school at SBU, offering a broad range of programs in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and fine arts, grounded in the liberal arts tradition.
- Biology
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Jandoli School of Communication
Nationally recognized for producing award-winning journalists and communicators, the Jandoli School offers hands-on media training with state-of-the-art facilities including a new broadcast studio and digital newsroom.
- Journalism
- Strategic Communication
- Sports Media
School of Business
AACSB-accredited, the School of Business prepares students for careers in finance, management, marketing, and accounting through rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities.
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business Administration
School of Education
Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Education prepares future teachers and educational leaders with CAEP-accredited programs and strong field placement partnerships.
- Childhood Education
- Adolescence Education
- Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions
This school offers professional programs in high-demand healthcare fields, featuring combined-degree pathways and clinical training that prepare graduates for immediate practice.
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Occupational Therapy
- Nursing
School of Graduate Studies
The School of Graduate Studies oversees master's and doctoral programs across all academic schools, with many programs available fully online to accommodate working professionals.
- MBA
- Counselor Education
- Cybersecurity (M.S.)
Admission Requirements for St. Bonaventure University
Admission Requirements for St. Bonaventure University
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application PlatformCommon Application or SBU Online Application
- High School GPAAverage GPA of admitted students: 3.66
- SAT/ACT ScoresSAT: 1070–1290; ACT: 24–30 (Test-Optional)
- Letters of RecommendationConsidered important for admission decisions
- Application FeeContact the university for the most current fee information
Graduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official TranscriptsFrom all previously attended institutions
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants (SBU code: 2793)
- Letters of RecommendationVaries by program; typically 2–3 required
- Additional RequirementsProgram-specific prerequisites may apply (e.g., GRE, professional experience)
St. Bonaventure offers rolling admissions for undergraduate applicants. Apply early for best scholarship consideration.
The final application deadline for undergraduate admission. Contact admissions for the latest dates.
Graduate program deadlines vary by department. Check individual program pages for specific dates.
Submit the FAFSA as early as possible for maximum financial aid consideration. No additional university-specific form is required.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at St. Bonaventure University
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at St. Bonaventure University
As a private institution, St. Bonaventure University charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. The university is committed to affordability and offers generous merit-based and need-based financial aid, with the vast majority of students receiving some form of assistance.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 43,505 | USD 43,505 |
| Room & Board | USD 16,210 | USD 16,210 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 800 | USD 800 |
| New Student Fee (First Year Only) | USD 650 | USD 650 |
| Total | ~USD 60,515 | ~USD 60,515 |
Presidential Scholarship
The top merit-based scholarship recognizing students with outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential. Renewable for four years with continued academic progress.
- Award Amount: Up to USD 26,000 per year
- Eligibility: High academic achievement and demonstrated leadership
- Renewable: Yes, for 4 years with full-time enrollment
International Student Scholarship
St. Bonaventure offers academic scholarships and grants to qualifying international students. MITA International School graduates are guaranteed a minimum academic scholarship.
- Minimum Award (MITA): USD 20,000 per year (USD 80,000 over four years)
- Eligibility: International students who meet admissions criteria
- Application: Considered automatically upon admission
Campus and Facilities at St. Bonaventure University
Campus and Facilities at St. Bonaventure University
Nestled on 500 acres in the scenic foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, St. Bonaventure's campus offers a beautiful, safe, and close-knit environment. The rural setting provides a focused academic atmosphere while being just minutes from the city of Olean, New York.
The campus features a blend of historic stone architecture and modern facilities that reflect the university's 165+ year heritage.
A modern fitness and recreation center offering gym facilities, courts, and wellness programs for students and staff.
The campus library serves as a hub for academic research, group study, and houses the renowned Franciscan Institute collection.
Housing & Dining
Residence Life
St. Bonaventure offers a variety of on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living for upperclassmen.
- Traditional residence halls for freshmen and sophomores
- Apartment-style housing for juniors and seniors
- Devereux Hall — the largest residence hall on campus
Dining Services
Students living in residence halls must select from three meal plan options: Bona Platinum, Bona Gold, or Bona Silver, with Flex Dollars available for additional purchases.
- Multiple meal plan tiers with Flex Dollar options
- Main dining hall and campus eateries
- The Rathskeller (campus gathering spot)
Student Life at St. Bonaventure University
Student Life at St. Bonaventure University
Known affectionately as the 'Bona Bubble,' the St. Bonaventure community is celebrated for its inclusive, family-like atmosphere. With a wide range of clubs, organizations, and campus events, students find abundant opportunities to connect, lead, and grow outside the classroom.
Location: Allegany, New York — A Scenic Setting for Learning
Location: Allegany, New York — A Scenic Setting for Learning
Allegany & Olean, New York
St. Bonaventure University is located in the town of Allegany, adjacent to the city of Olean (population approximately 15,000), in Cattaraugus County, southwestern New York. The area is easily accessible via Exit 24 of Interstate 86 and offers a quiet, safe environment ideal for focused study.
Allegheny Mountains & Outdoor Recreation
The surrounding Allegheny foothills offer hiking, skiing, fishing, and nature exploration, with Allegany State Park — New York's largest state park — nearby.
Small-Town Community
Olean provides local dining, shopping, and cultural activities, while the close-knit community atmosphere enhances the overall student experience.
Accessible Transportation
Located along Interstate 86, the campus is within driving distance of Buffalo (approximately 75 miles), with regional airport access for domestic travel.
Safe and Focused Environment
The rural campus setting provides a distraction-free environment where students can fully immerse themselves in academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Bonnies Work
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
International students must complete a Certificate of Financial Responsibility Form. The university issues I-20 documents for F-1 student visa applications after admission and financial verification.
International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Use SBU's TOEFL code 2793 when registering for the exam.
Qualifying international students may receive academic scholarships and grants. Note that scholarship funds exceeding tuition may be subject to a 14% foreign scholarship tax depending on country of origin.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
St. Bonaventure University Rankings
St. Bonaventure University Rankings
St. Bonaventure University is consistently recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, value, and student outcomes. The university ranks highly among regional universities in the northern United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism & Communication | Nationally recognized; produced 6 Pulitzer Prize winners | Top Program |
| Business | AACSB-accredited School of Business | AACSB Accredited |
| Education | CAEP-accredited teacher preparation programs | CAEP Accredited |
| Student Counseling | College Factual highest-ranked major at SBU | Top Ranked at SBU |
Features
St. Bonaventure University, founded in 1858, is a private Catholic institution known for its Franciscan values and strong liberal arts tradition. Located in rural Allegany, New York, it offers a close-knit campus community with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university provides over 50 undergraduate majors and 20+ graduate programs, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership. With around 2,600 students and a dedicated faculty, SBU emphasizes personalized education and career readiness, boasting a 99% graduate employment or further education rate within six months. Its scenic campus nestled in the Allegheny foothills fosters a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
Accommodation
Yes, St. Bonaventure University offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for its students. All unmarried students are required to live on campus during their freshman, sophomore, and junior years, fostering a vibrant and community-oriented campus life.
Work While Studying
Yes, students at St. Bonaventure University have opportunities to work while studying, both on and off-campus.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Yes, St. Bonaventure University offers comprehensive internship services to support students in gaining practical experience and preparing for their careers.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - July
Location
3261 W State St, St Bonaventure, NY 14778, United States
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