State University of New York at Cortland campus

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State University of New York at Cortland

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Cortland, NY
  • 0 reviews
#19 Best Public Universities in New York
Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

6,938
State University of New York at Cortland overview
State University of New York at Cortland overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

SUNY Cortland is located in the city of Cortland in central New York State, approximately 30 minutes from Syracuse and situated in the Finger Lakes region. Established in 1868 as a normal school for teacher education, the college has evolved into a comprehensive public institution offering programs across liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies, while maintaining its historical strength in education. The 191-acre main campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including several newly renovated academic facilities and residence halls that house more than half of the undergraduate population. The college is particularly known for its physical education, sport management, and teaching preparation programs, while also offering strong programs in exercise science and communications. As a member of NCAA Division III, SUNY Cortland competes in the SUNYAC conference and maintains a notable rivalry with Ithaca College in football through the annual Cortaca Jug game.

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Ratings

SUNY Cortland is rated within the top 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    7 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    4 out of 10
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Rankings

Rankings for State University of New York at Cortland within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Average
State University of New York at Cortland admission standards
  • GPA 3.7

Acceptance Rate

59.8%
State University of New York at Cortland applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 13.3%
  • Application Fee $50

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Annual Cost to Attend

New York Resident Tuition

$8,874

Out of State Resident Tuition

$18,784

Breakdown

In State Costs for State University of New York at Cortland
  • Tuition $8,874
  • Books and Supplies $1,200
  • Other Fees $1,804
  • Room and Board $15,560
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,050
  • Total One Year Cost $30,488
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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,300 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

67% within 6 years
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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at State University of New York at Cortland are Education, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies, and Social Sciences. 41% of students major in Education, 16% in Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies, and 13% in Social Sciences.

  • Education 41%
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies 16%
  • Social Sciences 13%
  • Communication 7%
  • Health Professions 5%
View All 47 Majors

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering State University of New York at Cortland are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=196149.

GPA calculator: State University of New York at Cortland GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026