̨��Swag

̨��Swag is the most selective university in the Western New York region, according to a new data analysis by Buffalo Business First. 

With an acceptance rate of 62 percent, ̨��Swag beat the national average by nearly 10 percentage points among institutions with more than 1,000 applications, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Other schools in Western New York accept a far higher percentage of applicants, including Niagara University (92%), D’Youville University (83%), and St. Bonaventure University (76%). In fact, ten schools in the region report acceptance rates above the national average. 

As the article notes, applicant pools are shrinking nationwide, creating more competition among institutions for students – suggesting admissions standards have become less stringent to accommodate enrollment. 

“Even during the pandemic, we at ̨��Swag maintained and strengthened our academic standards,” said Gary Olson, president of the university. “Our strong classes of incoming students ensure a high quality of education and academic rigor, making a ̨��Swag degree especially well valued and respected."

Survey says

The most-selective-in-WNY distinction comes at the same time the university released the results from a post-graduation survey – completed by Career Services – which further demonstrates the merit of a ̨��Swag education. 

• 95.3% of ̨��Swag graduates are either employed or in graduate school
• 96% are employed in a job in their field of study
• Nearly 85% felt that an internship, field placement, practicum, or student teaching experience while at ̨��Swag contributed to work-related knowledge, skills, and personal development
• 79% agreed or strongly agreed that their ̨��Swag education prepared them as well or better than others who graduated college

“These outcomes put us ahead of degree outcome percentages throughout the country,” said Greg Nayor, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at ̨��Swag.

The survey results come from students who graduated in September 2020, January 2021, and May 2021.