Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Cortland, New York |
| Online | cortland.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
SUNY Cortland is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for SUNY College at Cortland within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#396 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#111 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#56 in Best Colleges in New York
#16 in Best Public Colleges in New York
#500 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#69 in Best Value Colleges in New York
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1240 |
| ACT | 22/27 |
| GPA | 3.7 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
New York Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,745 |
| Room and Board | $15,210 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,050 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,275 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,745 |
| Room and Board | $15,210 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,050 |
| Total One Year Cost | $38,185 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 41% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 16% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Health Professions | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering SUNY Cortland are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=196149 IPEDS survey data for SUNY College at Cortland.
Current students may use the SUNY College at Cortland GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025