Villa Maria announced today the highest total enrollment in the College’s history. This major milestone is attributable to high retention and welcoming one of the largest incoming classes for the third consecutive year.
Villa’s in-demand degree programs, proven student access, academic readiness and ongoing support, and the College’s steadfast commitment to educational equity are in increasing demand for WNY students. Villa Maria’s new Crime Scene Investigation Program is helping to drive the growth along with increased interest in Criminal Justice and Sports Management Programs.
“Villa’s record enrollment is a testament to the Villa Maria product – which is our in-demand degree programs, student support-centric approach, and Villa’s remarkable and compassionate faculty and staff,” said Dr. Matthew Giordano, president, Villa Maria. “While other colleges and universities, both locally and nationally, face significant enrollment challenges, consecutive growth demonstrates that Villa Maria is the premier student-centered college in Western New York.”
2023 was a record-setting year for the College marked by a 15% increase in incoming class size. Since then, building year over year, 2025-2026 enrollment totals 630 students, an enrollment increase of more than 15% over the last three years. There are 263 students in the incoming class.
Villa Maria is the most diverse private college in WNY and the incoming class reflects that diversity. Villa Maria’s incoming class represents 99 area high schools. Villa Maria is a college for the Buffalo community. Villa Maria is empowering educational equity by ensuring access, providing the support that students need, and preparing students to succeed in careers.
Villa offers a range of academic programs designed to prepare students for creative and in-demand careers, including 21 bachelor’s and eight associate degree programs housed within six academic departments: Digital Media Arts, Fine Arts & Design, Health Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Music and Natural Sciences & Professional Studies.
• Animation
• Criminal Justice
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Digital Filmmaking (WNY’s only program)
• Game Design (WNY’s only program)
• Graphic Design
• Computer Software Development
• Interior Design
• Sport Management
• And more
