St. John Fisher University (SJF)

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution in the Catholic tradition of American higher education located in Pittsford, N.Y., just outside of Rochester. Guided since its inception in 1948 by the educational philosophy of the Congregation of St. Basil, the University emphasizes liberal learning for students in traditional academic disciplines, as well as for those in more directly career-oriented fields. Fisher welcomes qualified students, faculty, and staff regardless of religious or cultural background. Fisher provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master's and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, and pharmacy. As Fisher moves forward into the future, it stays true to its Catholic heritage and honors the Basilians by embracing their motto, "Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge."

Total enrollment is approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students each year, with 2,700 undergraduate students and just over 1,000 graduate students.

Our growing directory of over 50 clubs and organizations, is an integral piece of the student experience. Clubs give students a space to connect with other students around mutual interests, challenge themselves to try something new, develop leadership skills, and build on their academic experience in meaningful ways. Clubs range from academic to performing arts, club sports to special interest, and faith-based and service/wellness clubs. Students can learn more on our website.

Prospective students considering St. John Fisher will be delighted to learn that undergraduates here are “a very welcoming and friendly group, especially towards first-year's making the transition.” Indeed, it’s the kind of place where students “always hold the door open for people behind them.” You can even “expect strangers to smile at you.” Of course, undergrads love that their classmates are “hard-working” and “continuously pushing themselves in academics and athletics.” They also readily acknowledge that their peers are “predominantly white,” “rich and preppy” and mostly “from upstate New York.” Further, students note that there’s “a higher ratio of girls than boys, mostly due to the nursing program.” Nevertheless, even if you don’t fit within those parameters, it’s still easy to find your place. As this student reveals, “I always feel safe, accepted and loved here at Fisher, where I can express my own opinions and get amazing feedback and help where needed.” Ultimately, undergrads stress that their peers really support one another and “all want each other to succeed.” And they promise that “if there is anything you need, someone will be there [for] you.”

Sure, students at St. John Fisher are dedicated to their studies. However, when they need a respite from their schoolwork, they can find plenty to distract them. You’ll often see undergrads flocking to the “recreation room in main campus, which includes pool tables, ping pong, a stage and a multitude of other options.” If you’re looking for more structured activities, students say that “the clubs at Fisher are amazing, as there is something for everyone.” These include pre-professional groups like “investment club” and “marketing club” as well as more cultural offerings like the “Irish dance club” and the “Fisher Players [who] perform plays and musicals.” One extremely popular campus organization is Teddi Dance for Love which “hold[s] a 24 hour dance marathon to raise money for kids who attend Camp Good Days.” And given that the student body features “a large [number] of athletes,” lots of people “enjoy working out and spending time at the gym.” Fisher itself sponsors numerous events like “guest speaker[s and]...local art/film viewing[s].” Lastly, should you need a break from campus, it’s easy to take “trips to the mall, [attend local] concerts [or even head to an] amusement park.”