Villa Maria College is a small, private, Catholic college located in Buffalo, New York. Founded by the Felician Sisters in 1961, Villa provides a welcoming, diverse, and student-centered learning environment.
 

The college offers associate and bachelor's degree programs in fields including animation, digital filmmaking, game design, graphic design, interior design, business, health sciences, and technology.
 

With small class sizes, an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized academic support, Villa Maria College helps students develop the skills and experience needed for successful careers.
 

The college offers scholarships, financial aid, athletics, student organizations, and career-focused educational opportunities.

Villa Maria College offers student housing through its exclusive housing partner, Collegiate Village, located approximately two miles from campus.

Students can enjoy fully furnished apartments with private bathrooms, kitchens, internet access, and laundry facilities. Additional amenities include a fitness center, indoor basketball court, movie theater, and study spaces.

Collegiate Village offers 24-hour staffed security, keycard access, and daily shuttle transportation to campus and shopping destinations. Special housing rates are available to Villa Maria College students.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/student-life/campus-meal-plan/

Villa Maria College is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Villa values respect, belonging, equal opportunity, and educational access. The College welcomes students from different cultures, communities, and life experiences.

Through personalized academic support, student organizations, campus activities, and community engagement opportunities, Villa encourages students to connect, collaborate, and succeed.

Villa is dedicated to expanding access to higher education and preparing students to make a positive impact in their communities.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition at Villa Maria College is $13,765 per semester, or $27,530 annually for two semesters. Part-time tuition is $915 per credit hour. Additional registration, student activity, orientation, and program-specific fees may apply. Villa Maria College offers institutional scholarships, federal and state financial aid, and payment options to help make a private college education affordable. For complete tuition and fee information, visit https://www.villa.edu/admissions/financial-aid/tuition/

Villa Maria College is committed to making higher education affordable through a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities. Students may qualify for merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal Pell Grants, New York State TAP awards, federal student loans, and other institutional assistance. Villa offers academic merit scholarships of up to $12,000 annually and transfer scholarships of up to $12,000 annually for eligible students. Additional scholarships are available for athletics, esports, community involvement, and other achievements. Eligible students from Buffalo public and charter schools may qualify for tuition assistance through the Say Yes Buffalo program. Villa Maria College's Financial Aid Office provides personalized guidance throughout the financial aid application process. FAFSA School Code: 002896 Financial Aid Office: 716-961-1850 Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/admissions/financial-aid/

Villa Maria College is committed to providing an accessible and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities and learning differences.

The College's Accessibility Services office provides reasonable academic accommodations for eligible students with documented disabilities. Accommodations may include extended testing time, separate testing locations, note-taking support, assistive technology, and alternative-format textbooks.

Villa also offers the Achieve Program, a specialized academic support program for students with learning differences and neurodiverse students. The program focuses on academic skills, executive functioning, independence, and career readiness.

Students receive personalized assistance to help them succeed academically and prepare for their future careers.

Accessibility Services Contact:
David Skolen, Academic Coach and Accessibility Coordinator
Phone: 716-961-2865

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/student-life/student-services/disability-services/

Villa Maria College does not currently advertise traditional fraternities or sororities. Instead, students can participate in more than 30 student clubs, organizations, athletics, and leadership opportunities that encourage friendship, community involvement, and personal growth.

Student life at Villa Maria College offers opportunities to get involved, make friends, and explore new interests.

With more than 30 student clubs and organizations, students can participate in Animation Club, Film Club, Computer Club, Game Design Club, Esports, Gamers Guild, Music Club, Photography Club, and many others.

Campus activities include Welcome Week, Homecoming Week, Viking Fest, movie nights, cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, gaming events, and student-led activities.

Students can also participate in leadership development, community service, and the Student Programming Board.

The Russell J. Salvatore Commons provides spaces for students to relax, socialize, study, and enjoy recreational activities.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/student-life/

The Villa Maria College Vikings compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

Athletic opportunities include:

• Men's Basketball
• Women's Basketball
• Women's Flag Football
• Cheerleading
• Esports
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Villa's athletics programs emphasize teamwork, leadership, school spirit, academic achievement, and personal development.

Student-athletes have opportunities to represent the College in competitive athletics while pursuing their academic and career goals.

Learn more: https://www.villavikings.com/

Villa Maria College's athletic teams have demonstrated competitive success at the conference and national levels.

2025 USCAA National Championship Runner-Up – Men's Basketball

The Villa Vikings men's basketball team reached the 2025 USCAA Division I National Championship game, finishing as national runners-up with an overall season record of 22–8.

2024 Conference Champions – Men's Basketball

The Vikings earned a conference championship in 2024 and qualified for the USCAA National Tournament.

2025 All-American Recognition

Several Villa Maria College basketball student-athletes earned USCAA All-American and Academic All-American honors. The men's basketball coaching staff also received the 2025 Division I Coaching Staff of the Year award.

These achievements highlight the College's commitment to athletic excellence, teamwork, and student success.

Learn more: https://www.villavikings.com/

Villa Maria College offers career-focused associate and bachelor's degree programs that combine hands-on learning, personalized instruction, and real-world experience.

Academic programs include:

• Animation
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Digital Filmmaking
• Digital Media and Communications
• Digital Media Design
• Fine Art
• Game Design
• Graphic Design
• Integrated Arts
• Interior Design
• Liberal Arts
• Music Industry
• Photography
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Psychology
• Sport Management
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With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Villa provides small classes, individual attention, and access to specialized learning facilities.

Students can gain experience through internships, creative projects, practical coursework, and career preparation.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/academics/

Villa Maria College provides students with access to specialized computer labs, digital production facilities, and industry-standard technology to support hands-on learning.

The College's Digital Media Arts Center (DMAC) offers technology and software supporting Animation, Game Design, Digital Filmmaking, Graphic Design, and other creative programs.

Students have access to resources including:

• Computer labs for digital design and creative production
• Adobe creative software and multimedia tools
• Game design and development technology
• Digital video editing and production resources
• Stop-motion animation facilities
• Photography and lighting studios
• Audio recording and production facilities
• Technology-supported classrooms and learning spaces
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Villa emphasizes practical experience, allowing students to develop portfolios, complete collaborative projects, and build technology skills relevant to their future careers.

Villa Maria College offers a simple, personalized, and accessible admissions process for first-year and transfer

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

1. Complete the free online application at https://www.villa.edu/apply/.
2. Submit high school transcripts or GED documentation.
3. Transfer students should submit transcripts from previously attended colleges.

4. Connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.

    

Admissions Benefits:

• No application fee
• SAT and ACT scores are not required
• Rolling admissions
• Provisional admissions decisions may be made using unofficial transcripts
• No enrollment deposit required (deposit waiver provided)
• Individualized admissions and financial aid counseling
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Contact Admissions:

Phone: 716-961-1805

Email: admissions@villa.edu

Apply: https://www.villa.edu/apply/

Villa Maria College offers rolling admissions for first-year and transfer students, allowing applicants to apply throughout the year for upcoming semesters.

There is no application fee, and students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for admissions processing, financial aid, course registration, and academic advising.

Transfer Students: Transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring enrollment. Students should submit transcripts from previously attended colleges for transfer credit evaluation.

International Students: International applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their intended start date to allow sufficient time for document evaluation, financial verification, and visa processing.

Apply online: https://www.villa.edu/apply/

Villa Maria College is a Catholic college, founded by the Felician Sisters, that uses innovative strategies to educate and empower a diverse student body to positively impact their communities.

Our Vision

Villa Maria College will be a leader in creating a more equitable and prosperous Buffalo.

Our Philosophy and Values

Inspired by its Catholic tradition and Franciscan heritage, Villa Maria College is committed to providing accessible, student-centered education that empowers individuals to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

The College embraces three core ideals:

• Veritas (Truth): Honesty, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and respect for diversity.
• Caritas (Charity): Compassion, service, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
• Unitas (Unity): Equity, collaboration, inclusion, and community.
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Villa believes every student deserves opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through personalized education, innovative learning, and community engagement, the College prepares students to contribute meaningfully to society.

Founded in 1961 by the Felician Sisters, Villa Maria College is a private, Catholic, Franciscan college located in Buffalo, New York.

The College began as a teacher-training institution for members of the Felician Sisters. In 1964, Villa opened its present-day campus on Pine Ridge Road. It later expanded enrollment to laywomen in 1965 and became coeducational in 1968.

Over the decades, Villa Maria College developed from a two-year institution into a college offering both associate and bachelor's degree programs.

Major Milestones:

• 1961: Officially established as Villa Maria College.
• 1964: Opened its current campus on Pine Ridge Road.
• 1968: Became a coeducational institution.
• 1972: Achieved institutional accreditation through Middle States.
• 2005: Expanded into bachelor's degree education.
• 2015: Relaunched intercollegiate athletics and launched the Achieve Program.
• 2019: Dr. Matthew Giordano became the College's fourth president.
• 2022: Opened the Russell J. Salvatore Commons student union.
• 2025: Opened the Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence and the Institute for Mobility, Innovation & Technology.
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Today, Villa Maria College continues its mission of providing affordable, career-focused, and personalized education while serving students from across Western New York and beyond.

Villa Maria College alumni have pursued careers in the creative arts, healthcare, business, technology, music, and community leadership.

The College recognizes graduates who demonstrate professional achievement, creativity, and service.

Featured alumni and alumni leaders include:

• Diego Diaz ('16) – Animation
• Heather Bellini ('00) – Photography
• LaShawn Chinn ('03) – Business Administration
• Lucy Norton ('16) – Graphic Design
• Marc Muroff ('14) – Physical Therapist Assistant
• Keith Sieman ('15) – Music Industry
• Morgan Wathan ('18) – Integrated Arts
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Villa Maria College maintains an active Alumni Association that connects graduates with their college community and supports professional networking, mentorship, and lifelong engagement.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/alumni/

Villa Maria College offers summer learning opportunities for students seeking to continue their education, complete coursework, or explore new interests.

Summer academic course availability varies by program and semester. Students should contact the Registrar's Office or their academic advisor for current course offerings, registration dates, and tuition information.

The College also offers summer enrichment camps for students in grades 8–12. These programs provide hands-on experiences in creative and academic fields such as Animation, Game Design, Filmmaking, Creative Writing, Astronomy, and other subjects.

Summer programs encourage creativity, skill development, and exploration of future educational and career interests.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/summercamps/

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Villa Maria College offers study abroad opportunities that allow students to expand their academic experience, explore different cultures, and develop a global perspective.

Students in programs such as Interior Design have opportunities to participate in international educational experiences, including study abroad programs across Europe.

Villa Maria College has an established relationship with Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) in Florence, Italy, where eligible students can study art and design while experiencing Italian culture.

Past study abroad experiences have included Italy, Spain, and Portugal, giving students opportunities to explore international art, architecture, design, and cultural traditions.

Study abroad opportunities vary by academic program and semester. Students are encouraged to contact their academic program chair or advisor for current destinations, eligibility requirements, costs, and available opportunities.

Learn more: https://www.villa.edu/academics/interior-design/

Discover Your Future at Villa Maria College

Located in Buffalo, New York, Villa Maria College is a private, Catholic college offering associate and bachelor's degree programs in creative arts, business, technology, healthcare, and other career-focused fields.

Founded in 1961 by the Felician Sisters, Villa combines a welcoming campus community with individualized attention and hands-on learning.

Why Choose Villa Maria College?

• Small Classes: An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides personalized instruction and meaningful connections with professors.
• Career-Focused Programs: Students gain practical experience through internships, hands-on projects, and industry-relevant coursework.
• Affordable Education: Institutional scholarships, financial aid, and personalized financial guidance help students pursue their education.
• Creative Learning Environment: Specialized facilities support animation, game design, digital filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and other academic programs.
• Student Support: Academic advising, tutoring, accessibility services, and the Achieve Program help students succeed.
• Campus Life: Students can participate in clubs, campus events, athletics, esports, community service, and leadership activities.
• Convenient Location: Situated in the Buffalo area, Villa provides access to internships, employers, cultural attractions, and professional opportunities throughout Western New York.

Villa Maria College has experienced four consecutive years of enrollment growth, reflecting increasing interest in its academic programs and student-centered approach.

Visit Villa Maria College

240 Pine Ridge Road
Buffalo, NY 14225

Website: https://www.villa.edu/

Apply: https://www.villa.edu/apply/

Schedule a visit and see how Villa Maria College can help you build your future.