Ithaca College vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY with Union College in Schenectady, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ithaca College is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (4,767 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ithaca College is located in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ithaca College 10:1; Union College 9:1.

Ithaca College vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ithaca College or Union College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ithaca College than Union College ($35,253 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 4.8% lower than at Union College ($16,192 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 28.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $15,499 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at Union College than at Ithaca College (about $15,499 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($42,534 vs. $33,450).

Ithaca College vs. Union College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ithaca College or Union College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union College and Ithaca College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 90 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Union College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 1230/1390; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 27/30; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ithaca College - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at Ithaca College vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Ithaca College vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ithaca College and Union College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.