Our students represent a diversity of backgrounds and come to the institute with many different goals. Some seek to turn a business idea into reality while others look to develop pivotal skills that will advance their careers in business. To learn if Golisano Institute should be your next step, contact our admissions team at admissions@golisanoinstitute.org to schedule a visit to campus center.

The address is 125 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203.

Free parking is available.

Graduates of Golisano Institute receive one of two certificates: the Professional Certificate in Business & Entrepreneurship or the Advanced Certificate in AI & Business. We are fully licensed by New York State Education’s Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision to operate as a “career school.” Our students earn certificates rather than traditional undergraduate degrees. The unique educational model we follow allows us to offer a wholly business-centric curriculum that delivers results faster than a traditional degree. We are free from many of the constrictions that are placed on conventional higher education institutions (such as non-business credit requirements).

Since our Buffalo location is still under construction, prospective students are welcome and encouraged to visit our Rochester campus center to get a sense of the learning environment.

The Buffalo campus center will be open for tours starting on May 1, 2026.

Applications are now being accepted for enrollment.

Although we are not accredited as a college or university, students can transfer about 80% of the credits they earn through our programs to a growing list of partner universities, which include Syracuse University, Alfred State (State University of New York), St. John Fisher University, Roberts Wesleyan University, Niagara University, and Daemen University. Other institutions may consider accepting credits on a case-by-case basis, depending on their enrollment policies.

Yes. A major focus of our approach is to expose you to current and even bleeding-edge technologies used in today’s business world. For this reason, all students accepted into the program receive a laptop that will belong to them, even after graduation.

On-campus or other housing options are not currently available through Golisano Institute in Buffalo.

No. We cannot guarantee employment upon graduation. However, students who complete the program while taking advantage of the numerous opportunities we offer to interact with potential employers will maximize their opportunity to secure employment after completion.

Sign up for our upcoming information sessions.

No. Since every cohort follows the same schedule of classes in our set curriculum, students cannot take individual classes. However, the schedule is set to provide flexibility.

The faculty bring a mix of academic and real-world experience into the classroom. Faculty serve as teachers and mentors.

Golisano Institute has employer partnerships with several companies across Western New York, as well as a few national and global 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 takes more than sitting through a few classes on the subject. At Golisano Institute, students build that mindset through an integrated, three-course entrepreneurship sequence that will serve as their launching pad. From there, students continue applying entrepreneurial thinking across the entire program—including designing and developing hypothetical or real business opportunities, creating business plans, or even starting their own business ventures. Our different campus-center resources also give entrepreneurial students guidance and mentorship as they work on developing their own products, services, and business plans.

Because the courses are designed to build upon one another and interconnect, combined with experiential applied learning, completion of all courses is required for graduation.

The program is designed to provide numerous opportunities for students to interact with employers. They may be expert guest speakers, visiting class lecturers, or part-time faculty. Students also work on live case studies sponsored by businesses as part of coursework. Internships and field experiences are integrated into our curriculum, offering great opportunities for individuals to develop relationships with employers.

Tuition is $8,900 per year, which is affordable compared to the cost of most four-year bachelor’s degrees 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.

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. Applicants are required to submit a copy of a high-school transcript or high-school equivalency completion. They must also detail any experiences in the workforce over the last five years. We do not require standardized test scores. Instead, we focus 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 conducted to ensure that you are ready for the institute’s professional work environment, that you have a set of goals in mind before starting, and also answer any questions you might have. The interview is focused primarily on who you are and your motivation for attending.

Yes. Tuition assistance and merit-based scholarships are available for eligible students. We offer financial assistance to anyone who cannot cover the $8,900 per year tuition. Financial aid is determined during the application process.

Once you have completed all admissions requirements, you can expect to receive an admissions decision within 10 business days.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to support applications from international students.