St. Bonaventure University User Reviews and Ratings
Exceptional liberal arts education
By Dave, From WI - Wisconsin
As an alumnus, St Bonaventure University provided me with exceptional opportunities. After graduation, I was awarded a U.S. Justice Department fellowship, went on to earn my Ph.D., and worked in the New York Mayor's Office. I later became a professor at the University of Wisconsin and went on to become dean of the graduate school and associate vice chancellor. If one takes full advantage of everything St Bona's offers its students, it will be an exceptional investment in your future.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：5
Waste of money
By Class of 2015, From Orchard Park ny
Most students regret going to this school once they have a 30 year loan to pay for a degree that is somewhat worthless
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：1
City & Setting
Score：1
Classes & Teachers
Score：1
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：1
Health & Safety
Score：1
Life-changing Academics, Community Spirit, Social Justice
By tmac class of 1986, From NYC
St Bonaventure offers an excellent liberal arts core education plus engaging, demanding, and professional majors that will prepare you for your career. The journalism, education and business programs are especially strong. Faculty are engaging and very available to students because class size is small and that's the Bonaventure way. The Social Justice Franciscan values provide a moral and ethical compass to guide your life. Most importantly, the SBU open community spirit means you are never alone at college and the friendships you make there will be strong bonds to carry you through life. If you want to go to a college that will change your life, a college where you will be known, and seen, and appreciated, and guided, a college that you will return to for every college reunion even 30 years later, a college where you can call any alumni at anytime and they will take your call...this is your school. I know this is true because I graduated from Bonas 30 years ago and I have just described its continual impact on my life.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
#Bonalways
By BJW class of 93, From New York, NY
St. Bonaventure provides a well rounded education and encourages its students to learn and grow as people. The friendships developed while at Bonas are the most cherished and continue long after graduation for many alumni.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Horrible
By Student, From Olean
This university is horrible. If you're someone who doesn't play a League 1 sport, you are not included or respected. No internal support. Very one sided grading system. The dorms are outdated and disgusting. The professors want to just push their views on you.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：1
City & Setting
Score：1
Classes & Teachers
Score：1
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：1
Health & Safety
Score：1
Best place ever!
By Stephanie M, Class of '95, '96, From Spring City, PA
I graduated from SBU in 1995 and would do it all over again. Because there wasn't a lot to do off campus, my roommates and friends and I spent a lot of time together...talking, playing cards, going for walks, hiking to Merton's Heart, etc. we formed deep friendships that have endured time and distance. We all know how precious and true our friendships are. Not only that, but I believe I received a well rounded education that allowed me to be successful in my career choice. SBU also allowed me to deepen my faith and to pursue interests and hobbies that were important to me. As I now visit other schools with my 11th grade daughter, I am again reminded how special SBU is and how critical that "Hello Spirit" was to my happiness and comfortability at that period of my life. I will forever be grateful for SBU and will always bleed brown. Go Bonas!!!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Alumni
By 2003, From New Jersey
I graduated from this school in 2003. I was premed and was easily accepted to my first choice medical school. St.Bonaventure is a superior school that is equally dedicated to academics as ethical and social values. There are many extracurricular activities to chose from and I enjoyed their art, music and theater programs. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to have a well rounded education.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Fantastic Liberal Arts and Business Scools.
By Eric - Class of '87, From Atlanta, GA
The school has an remarkable culture and great student to teacher ratio. The professors take a personal interest in your success.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Small, rural with excellent academic environment
By Country living, From MD
Small school in a rural setting. Strong community and open academic environment. It was a great experience 1980-1984.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great school
By K Scar class of 2003, From Rhode Island
Loved every minute of it. I was inclusive, dynamic, there were so many programs to get into. Medical emergency response team (MERT) was one of the best experiences of my life. Lifelong friends, a lifetime of memories. The staff and Fransician friars gave the best education you could ask for.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Life Changing
By Lesley Class of 2001, From Maryland
My Bonaventure experience was life changing. Spiritually- you are surrounded by other humanitarian minded students- it is common to hear other students talking about volunteering at the Warming House or going to Mt. Iraneus. Courses are interesting: many classes are taught by friars and content cross references science, religion, great authors, historical movements, and the arts all interconnecting. My hometown in NW PA was very small and it was a place for me to get to be a radio DJ at the Buzz, cheer for our D1 basketball team, and travel with new friends I made from all over. It is true Olean and Allegany are not major cities and they don't have bursting continual changes in nightlife or restaurants, but they have niche things exclusive to the town: Burton Burgers and Beef & Barrel, the OP, Randy's up the River... things and places you NEVER forget! It is the perfect small school for a young person to take risks and grow.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Once a Bonnie
By Alumni, From New York
While a small school in a less than perfect location, it has heart. The St. Bonaventure connection extends far and wide, and you'll make friends here that will be your best friends for life. I've never felt unsafe on campus and the teachers truly care about their students. You'll learn many life skills here that can't be taught inside a classroom.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Home away from home
By Erin Class of 2005, From NC
Bonaventure was the perfect size school for me when I attended (2001-2005). The friends I met, staff I worked with and professors were amazing!! The friars were an additonal perk of Bonaventure. They always knew how to make you smile. "The Mountain" was a great retreat as was hiking Merton's Heart. Biking, running and walking along the river trail with friends was always perfect ways to relax. So much to do in such a beautiful place. Go Bonas!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best decision I made
By Sisyphus, From Rochester, NY
I graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1999. I received an excellent education there. Classes were small, professors were helpful and accessible, I received good financial support, the campus is beautiful, and the school is firmly rooted in the Franciscan Catholic values of service to others. I had a great time there, made wonderful friends, and get an excellent education. Choosing SBU was the best decision I've made. I highly recommend St. Bonaventure.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Amazing School!
By Kerianne, BA 2009, MA 2017, From Rochester, NY
I can not recommend this University enough. Wonderful professors, great facilities, and a student body that supports each other and has a huge amount of school pride. Come on campus and you will see a small school with a big school feel. Gorgeous campus.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Bonaventure-truly a good journey
By Lisa C, From Philadelphia PA
Can't say enough great things about this fine University. An amazing value for the relatively low tuition. It is small but mighty in spirit and opportunity. My 4 years at St. Bonaventure were wonderful. The alumni are amazing and support the students in many ways.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
A wonderful experience and education
By Glease class of 1976, From Buffalo, NY
The Franciscan ideals permeate this university. It is a small school in a fairly remote location, but that means that everyone gets to know everyone else and forms lasting friendships. I still get together with folks I went there with over 40 years later. My daughter recently graduated and loved it as well. All of the teachers know you and make sure that you are in class and participating. You get a great education.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Life changing
By Class of 1977, From Rochester, NY
Some of the best years of my life. Lifelong friendships and strong alumni connections. The campus will always feel like home!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best Decision
By tom, From NY
If you want to be a part of a big loving happy family... then Bonaventure is for you. It's a beautiful campus and the nicest people anywhere. The education put me on par or ahead of all my peers and was a large part of the reason I've been able to own and run multiple businesses. The alumni network is second to none. It's as if you are part of a family. Just a great school.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great school with amazing network
By Alumni class of 2002, From Massachusetts
Put your four years in here and it will work for you long after. The St. Bonaventure bond lasts a lifetime and helps open doors to internships and then job opportunities.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
School with heart unlike any other
By Melissa class of 2001, From Erie, PA
This is a small school where you will get personalized involvement from professors. Their dedication to the school is unmatched by any other campus I've set foot on. Students are outgoing and friendly. They study, play and party hard. Get involved. Go to a basketball game. You won't regret it. It will become your second family and home away from home.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Parent of two graduates.
By J, a parent, From Pennsylvania
I have two children who graduated with Science degrees from St. Bonaventure. The older graduated in 2015, and subsequently earned an MS, currently earns over 6 figures. The other graduated in 2018, and is currently enrolled in a major research university PHD program with a full scholarship and stipend , working as a research assistant. Both have friends from Bona's enrolled in law schools and medical schools. The networking opportunity with Bonnie graduates has been meaningful for both of them. Bona's is not Harvard or Standford, where graduates are automatically stamped as qualified simply for graduating. But hard working and bright students can get a great start in their chosen vocations after graduating SBU. Its strange to me that the rankings don't ask to rank "quality of education" . I would give this a five, if it was a choice.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：5
Go Bonas!
By class of 98' and 05', From Portville, NU
Anyone who gives SBU a bad review has no understanding of what the University really is and has not taken full advantage of the opportunities that it has offered. I hear no mention of the amazing Fransciscans who put their heart and soul into the student life and academics of this university. The family atmosphere cannot be found anywhere else. Go to the RC for a basketball game and, win or lose, you can't deny that the students, community, and players have heart like no place else. SBU has a history unlike any place else. They are home to the oldest student run soup kitchen in the country as well as an award winning radio station. If you take the time to immerse your self in the "good journey" you will never regret it.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best 4 years of my life
By Cassie F, Class of 2015, From Irvine, CA
This place may have been very expensive, but what college isn't? Despite my debt, I wouldn't change one thing because of the amazing impact this university and its people have left on me. The bona "bubble" is a real thing that makes you feel connected and loved on such a beautiful quaint campus. I've met the best people of my life at this university. The professors were attentive and truly saw you as an individual and not just a number in their class. I learned so much in my four years but most of all I got to understand human connection at its finest. Bonaventure is my family and my home away from then, now, and forever!
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
St. Bonaventure University
By Jean 90', From Dallas, TX
Amazing place! If you want to be at a school where your professors know and care about you this is the place to be. Bonas has the most amazing alumni who go out of their way to support the school. The athletics have a tremendous fan base that knows how to cheer for their team. My son narrowed down his choices to Syracuse, Northwestern, and Bonas. When we visited each he chose Bonas because of how it made him feel. He is so excited to get out of the city and be in a place like Bonas.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
