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75.2%Acceptance
$50,510Tuition
4,350Students
74%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,548Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ithaca College

Ithaca College draws 4,350 students to its small-city campus in upstate New York for hands-on learning in communications, music, and theater arts. The school has launched careers for notable alumni including Disney's former CEO Robert Iger and actress Kerry Washington. Students get direct experience through the college's strong emphasis on practical training in media production, performance, and broadcast journalism. With a 75% acceptance rate, Ithaca attracts motivated students who want professional preparation alongside liberal arts education.

The financial picture tells a complex story. While sticker price hits $67,390, the average student pays $32,965 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $63,548 ten years out, making the typical monthly loan payment of $254 manageable for most. Students graduate with $24,000 in debt, which is reasonable given earning potential. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews toward middle and upper-middle class families.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and work. With 83% of students returning for sophomore year, most find what they're looking for. The Bombers field 27 Division III teams with 695 student-athletes, creating a spirited campus culture without the pressure of athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Ithaca College built its reputation around communications, music, and theater arts programs that emphasize hands-on learning. The Roy H. Park School of Communications ranks among the top media schools nationally, while the School of Music produces graduates who land positions in major orchestras and Broadway productions. Students work with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships with professors. The college's 74% graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students take longer to complete intensive creative programs that require internships and performance opportunities. Theater students perform in multiple productions each year, while communications majors gain real-world experience through the campus television and radio stations.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
75.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
74.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
74.1%
Retention Rate
83.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,548
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $72,646
Computer Science. Bachelor $71,575
Accounting and Related Services. Master $68,666
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $62,707
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $59,417
Special Education and Teaching. Master $57,318
Communication and Media Studies. Master $55,338
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $50,439
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $47,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,899

View all 63 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Ithaca College experience small-town life in the Finger Lakes region, about an hour from Syracuse and three hours from New York City. With housing capacity for 4,174 students and total enrollment of 4,350, nearly all undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need serious winter gear for the notoriously snowy Ithaca winters, which can dump several feet of snow and keep temperatures well below freezing for months.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Campus revolves around the Park School of Communications and School of Music, where students produce award-winning films and stage performances that draw audiences from across the region. Weekend life centers on student productions, Division III athletics (the Bombers field 27 varsity teams with 695 total athletes), and outdoor activities like hiking in nearby state parks. The campus tradition of "Fountain Day" marks the end of classes each spring, when students celebrate by jumping into the campus fountain.
Setting
Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity
4,174 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1892

Campus Safety (2023)

72 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 10 9 1 0
Domestic Violence 8 6 0 0
Fondling 9 4 0 0
Rape 6 6 0 0
Stalking 4 1 1 0
Arson 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 2 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–31°F
July Avg
57°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
37.3"
Annual Snowfall
64.4"

Student Demographics

Students split almost evenly between men and women, with women comprising 54% of the student body. The gender balance reflects Ithaca's strong programs in communications and theater, which tend to attract more female students. Just under half the students come from New York State, showing the college draws regionally rather than nationally. The student body remains predominantly white at 72%, with growing Hispanic representation at 10%. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from middle to upper-middle-class families who can afford the $50,510 tuition for hands-on arts and media training.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
72.3%
Black
4.6%
Hispanic
10.5%
Asian
3.0%
In-State Students
48.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.0%

Location

Ithaca sits in central New York's Finger Lakes region, about 220 miles northwest of New York City. The city of 32,000 revolves around its two major colleges, creating a classic college town atmosphere. Ithaca College's 669-acre campus overlooks Cayuga Lake, one of the area's signature glacial lakes. The region offers gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. With 48.49% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with upstate New York's four distinct seasons and natural beauty. The surrounding Finger Lakes wine country provides internship opportunities for hospitality students. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Ithaca College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Ithaca, New York 14850-7002
Boardman House, Ithaca NY
Boardman House, Ithaca NY
Job Hall, Ithaca College campus
Job Hall, Ithaca College campus
View of Ithaca College from Eddy Street
View of Ithaca College from Eddy Street

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,548
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,052
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$41,200
Loan Repayment Rate
82.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ithaca College?

Ithaca College accepts 75.20% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1203-1380 on the SAT. This accessibility allows the college to attract students passionate about its well-known communications and performing arts programs.

How much does Ithaca College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Ithaca College is $32,965, lower than the full tuition of $50,510. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $22,208 on average. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $29,677.

What is Ithaca College known for academically?

Ithaca College excels in communications, music, and theater arts with extensive hands-on learning opportunities. The college maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in its signature programs. Alumni include Disney CEO Robert Iger, actress Kerry Washington, and singer Gavin DeGraw.

How much do Ithaca College graduates earn after graduation?

Ithaca College graduates earn a median salary of $63,548 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.9%, reflecting strong career preparation across programs. Graduates typically leave with $24,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $254.

Where is Ithaca College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in the small city of Ithaca, New York, with 4,350 students on campus. Housing capacity accommodates 4,174 students, creating a close-knit residential community. The campus features 27 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, with 695 student athletes participating.

Does Ithaca College have a strong alumni network in entertainment?

Ithaca College has produced notable entertainment industry leaders including actor David Boreanaz and former Disney CEO Robert Iger. The college's strong communications and theater programs have launched careers spanning television, film, and music. This network reflects the institution's 130-year history of preparing students for media and entertainment careers.