Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Tom Golisano believes that we have more opportunities to educate individuals for careers in business and building new businesses. That’s why Golisano Institute focuses on providing an accelerated, more focused, and less expensive alternative to match Tom’s belief.
At Golisano Institute, our student community reflects individuals from various backgrounds and age groups, making it a unique and enriching place to study. Whether you are a recent high school graduate looking to begin your business journey, someone who had to pause their college aspirations due to personal or life reasons, or an adult looking to re-enter the workforce after a break, Golisano Institute provides a rewarding learning experience that opens new doors for those who are ready to accomplish their goals.
150 Sawgrass Drive
Rochester, NY 14620
Parking is widely available and free.
At this time we have decided to not pursue formal accreditation due to the constraints that accreditation puts on our ability to deliver an employer-centric and entrepreneurial education. Depending on changes to accreditation criteria, we may evaluate accreditation in the future.
Yes. Approximately 80% of all courses offered at the Institute meet the learning outcomes and class time requirements to satisfy equivalencies. The Institute has a series of institution partners that have pre-approved the courses. Other institutions have the right to not accept the courses depending on their policies. Learn more
Graduates of Golisano Institute will either receive a Professional Certificate in Business & Entrepreneurship or an Advanced Certificate in AI & Business upon completion.
The Institute can hold up to 500 students at a time.
Yes. Village Bakery Café is on-site to provide high-quality and nutritious breakfast and lunch options and full-service coffee and beverage service.
All students will be required to use a standard technology that will be either provided by, or subsidized by Golisano Institute.
The Golisano Institute partners with Roberts Wesleyan University and Innovation Square for individuals that are seeking housing or residence life. Learn more about our housing opportunities on our Campus Center page.
COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and other health concerns and will update policies as appropriate.
There is never a guarantee of job placement upon completion, however, after completing the program and taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to interact with employers, students who do so will be maximizing their opportunity to secure employment after completion.
Click here to view and sign-up for our upcoming information sessions.
Questions About Academics
There will be between 20 and 25 students per class.
No. Because there is a single academic set of classes on a single schedule, there is not an option to take individual classes. However, the schedule is set to provide flexibility.
The faculty are prepared as academics and bring real-world experience into the classroom. Faculty serve as teachers and mentors.
We are beginning with local employers so as to help students who wish to do so remain in the Rochester area, but employer partnerships will likely also include regional and national partners.
The Institute will have two starts per year and a student can pick up where they left off once the next cohort catches up.
Developing an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset does not happen simply by taking courses in the subject—although the integrated 3-course sequence of entrepreneurship courses will be students’ launching pad and many other courses will help develop further—it happens with consistent use of that mindset throughout the program, including opportunities to design and develop hypothetical or real business opportunities, business plans, or even students’ own businesses. Our Experiential Lab will also allow entrepreneurial students to receive guidance as they work on developing their own products/services ideas and business plans.
Because the courses are designed to build upon one another and interconnect, combined with experiential applied learning, completion of the required courses is required for graduation.
The program is designed to provide numerous opportunities for students to interact with employers, from their role as expert guest speakers and class lecturers, part-time faculty, to students working on “live” case studies and “real-world” team and individual opportunities with employers, to internships.
Student orientation will take place September 5 – 10, 2023. The first day of classes is Monday, September 11.
Questions About Admissions & Financial Support
No. The Golisano Institute is for learners of all ages. Although many students will be coming out of high school, the Institute students will represent different backgrounds and ages.
Tuition is $8,900 per year, which is affordable compared to the cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree and a graduate business degree. This affordability helps students avoid taking on debt.
The application and admissions process includes an online application as well as a formal interview with applicants who are selected. Visit the Apply page to begin.
Applicants will be evaluated on their initiative, commitment to completing a real-world, hands-on education, self-awareness, focus on their professional and earnings potential, and ability to thrive in a tight-knit community of diverse learners. We do not require standardized test scores, instead focusing on education (including a high school transcript) and work experience, an introductory statement, as well as a formal interview and an ACT WorkKeys Math Assessment.
The interview is to ensure that a new student is ready for the professional work environment of the Institute, they have a set of goals in mind as they start at the Institute and to answer any questions. The interview is not focused on what the student knows, but more about who they are and their motivations for attending.
Yes, tuition assistance and merit-based scholarships will be available for eligible students. We’re offering financial assistance to individuals who aren’t able to cover the $8,900 per year tuition. To apply, fill out our Financial Assistance Application Form.
Once students have completed all admissions requirements, they can expect to receive an admissions decision within 10 business days.
An admissions committee selected by the school’s faculty and staff will review all applications.
Unfortunately we are unable to support applications from international students at this time.
“The opportunity is out there. You just have to find it.”
Tom Golisano, Founder
Apply for Free
Think you’d be a good fit for Golisano Institute? Enrollment for September 2025 is now open. Begin your application today.
Connect with Admissions
Meet our admissions team, explore the campus center, and learn more about Golisano Institute.