State University of New York at Cortland

59.8%Acceptance

$8,815Tuition

5,896Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$60,236Earnings

#25 in New YorkPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About State University of New York at Cortland

SUNY Cortland has built its reputation as the go-to destination for future teachers and coaches across New York State. The university enrolls 5,896 students in a small town setting about 30 miles south of Syracuse. Its teacher education and physical education programs consistently rank among the strongest in the SUNY system. Nearly 97% of students come from within New York, creating a tight-knit community where Red Dragons athletics and school spirit run deep.

Students pay an average net price of $19,951, which drops based on family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,272 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,236 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a reasonable investment given the strong job market for teachers in New York. The 97.2% employment rate reflects the high demand for Cortland's education graduates.

The Red Dragons field 25 varsity sports in NCAA Division III, with 517 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in education courses and student teaching placements. With an 81% retention rate, most students find their fit quickly in this education-focused community.

Academics & Faculty

SUNY Cortland built its reputation as a teacher training institution and remains one of New York's top destinations for future educators. The university's School of Education consistently ranks among the state's best, while its physical education and recreation programs attract students from across the Northeast. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students well and provide personalized guidance. The 68% four-year graduation rate reflects the full support system that helps students complete challenging education coursework and student teaching requirements. Beyond education, strong programs in communications, business, and health sciences serve the university's 5,896 students. Faculty maintain close mentoring relationships that prepare graduates for immediate employment in their chosen fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 56.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 68.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 68.2%
Retention Rate: 80.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,236
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$77,401
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$57,318
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$49,331
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$48,789
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$48,703
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$46,087
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Master	$44,021
Business/Managerial Economics.	Bachelor	$40,768
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$40,551
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$39,369

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

SUNY Cortland sits in a small college town about an hour south of Syracuse, where winters mean heavy snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The campus houses 3,110 students in residence halls, accommodating just over half of the 5,896 total enrollment. Students bundle up in serious winter gear from November through March, though the scenic Finger Lakes region offers beautiful fall colors and pleasant spring weather.

The Red Dragons compete in 25 Division III sports with 517 student-athletes, creating a strong athletic culture without the pressure of scholarships. Physical education and teacher preparation programs dominate academic life, reflecting the school's historic mission since 1868. Weekend activities center around campus events and outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills and lakes. With 96.89% of students coming from New York State, the community feels tight-knit and familiar. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, especially important in education programs that emphasize hands-on learning and student teaching placements throughout central New York.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 3,110 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1868

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	12	10
Rape	10	9
Stalking	10	6
Fondling	5	5
Burglary	4	4
Domestic Violence	3	2
Aggravated Assault	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–30°F
July Avg: 59°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.7"
Annual Snowfall: -687.4"

Student Demographics

This SUNY campus draws nearly all its students from within New York state, reflecting its strong reputation for preparing teachers and physical education professionals. The student body is 53% women, which aligns with the school's historic strength in education programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Cortland serves a mix of middle-class and working-class families. The heavily in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit community where students often stay connected to local school districts for student teaching and eventual employment opportunities.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 76.1%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 12.3%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 96.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.9%

Location

SUNY Cortland sits in Cortland, New York, about 30 miles south of Syracuse in the Finger Lakes region. The town of roughly 18,000 residents revolves around the college, creating a classic college town atmosphere in central New York's rolling hills. Students find themselves surrounded by lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities typical of upstate New York. The campus houses 3,110 students in residence halls, with 96.89% of enrollment coming from within New York state. Winter sports and outdoor activities define much of campus life in this small city setting. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Cortland with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cortland, New York 13045-0900

State University of New York at Cortland campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $60,236
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,759
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 72.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at State University of New York at Cortland?

SUNY Cortland accepts 59.78% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school enrolls 5,896 students with a strong focus on education programs. With 96.89% of students coming from New York State, it primarily serves residents seeking affordable public education.

How much does State University of New York at Cortland cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $19,951 per year, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,272 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $23,422. Graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228.

What academic programs is State University of New York at Cortland known for?

SUNY Cortland built its reputation on teacher education and physical education programs, dating back to its founding in 1868. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, providing solid access to professors. The school maintains a 80.82% retention rate, indicating students generally stay satisfied with their academic experience.

What are the job prospects for State University of New York at Cortland graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 97.2% employment rate within six years of graduation. The median earnings reach $60,236 ten years after graduation, reflecting the solid career outcomes typical of education and health-focused programs. However, the 68.20% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees.

Where is State University of New York at Cortland located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Cortland, a small town in central New York that offers a classic college town atmosphere. Housing capacity reaches 3,110 students, accommodating about half the enrollment of 5,896. The Red Dragons compete in NCAA Division III with 25 varsity sports and 517 student athletes.

Does State University of New York at Cortland offer athletic scholarships?

SUNY Cortland awards $0 in athletic scholarships because it competes in NCAA Division III, where athletic scholarships are prohibited. The school fields 25 varsity sports with 517 student athletes who compete in the State University of New York Athletic Conference. Student athletes pursue sports for the love of competition rather than financial incentives.