Students at Ithaca College achieve strong long-term earnings that reflect the value of specialized education and close mentorship in a private college setting.
Graduates consistently outperform national averages, with particularly impressive outcomes for low-income students who gain access to the college's programs and networks.
Ithaca College is a medium-sized private institution in New York that delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. Students earn a median of $63,548 ten years after enrollment, placing the college in the 75th percentile nationally for earnings performance. What distinguishes Ithaca is its ability to combine the intimate feel of a smaller college with career preparation that leads to solid professional outcomes.
The college serves a more selective student population, with about 19% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 14% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Ithaca provides strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access is more limited compared to larger public universities. The college's specialized programs in communications, music, business, and technology create clear pathways into industries where graduates can build successful careers.
For families who can afford the higher net price of a private college, Ithaca offers the combination of personal attention, strong alumni networks, and career preparation that translates into meaningful long-term earnings. The college's location in upstate New York provides access to both regional opportunities and major metropolitan job markets.
Ithaca College's program mix reflects its identity as a specialized institution with particular strengths in communications, creative arts, and emerging fields. Computer Science, though smaller with 23 graduates, delivers the highest early-career earnings at around $71,575, demonstrating the college's ability to prepare students for high-demand technology roles. The college's largest program, Animal-Assisted Therapy, graduates 148 students annually into a specialized field with more modest starting earnings around $25,194 but strong growth potential as this therapeutic approach gains wider acceptance.
The college's reputation in communications and media creates pathways into competitive creative industries where networking and hands-on experience matter as much as technical skills. Music programs, including specialized tracks like Brass Instruments, prepare students for careers in performance, education, and music therapy, fields where earnings often grow significantly with experience and reputation building.
As a focused institution, Ithaca graduates smaller cohorts in each program, which creates tight-knit alumni networks and more personalized career support. This concentrated approach works particularly well for students entering creative and specialized fields where industry connections and mentorship relationships often determine long-term success.
Ithaca College graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that reflect the value of specialized education and close faculty mentorship. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $63,548, placing the college well above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The college's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps students transition effectively from classroom learning to professional success.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Computer Science stands out with graduates earning around $71,575 early in their careers, demonstrating the college's strength in technology education despite its smaller program size. The college's largest program, Animal-Assisted Therapy, graduates 148 students annually with more modest early earnings around $25,194, reflecting the specialized nature of this growing field. Communications and media programs, which represent a significant portion of Ithaca's identity, typically produce graduates who enter competitive creative industries where earnings grow substantially over time.
The college's strong alumni network and industry connections, particularly in communications, entertainment, and business, help graduates access opportunities that might be harder to find elsewhere. While early-career earnings vary by major, the college's emphasis on internships, hands-on learning, and professional development creates a foundation for long-term career growth across diverse fields.
Ithaca College operates at a higher price point typical of private institutions, with net prices that reflect the personalized education and smaller class sizes the college provides. Low-income students pay about $22,208 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $29,170, and higher-income families pay approximately $37,581. These prices place Ithaca in the lower 10th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning most comparable institutions charge less.
The college's financial aid approach focuses on making attendance possible for admitted students rather than maximizing broad affordability. Students typically graduate with about $24,000 in federal loan debt, a manageable level given the college's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $45,144, reflecting the reality that many families contribute significantly to cover the higher costs of private education. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
For families who can handle the upfront investment, Ithaca's pricing reflects the value proposition of small classes, specialized programs, and strong career services. The college's approach works best for families who prioritize the private college experience and can manage higher costs in exchange for personalized attention and strong alumni networks.
Ithaca College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
