State University of New York at Cortland combines accessible 50.7% admission rates with above-average career outcomes. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university delivers $10,120 in annual earnings above peer medians while maintaining manageable debt levels below comparison schools.
Around the national average, reflecting solid but not exceptional long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Around the national average, with reasonable costs and debt levels that support financial sustainability
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's enrollment of 26.9% Pell-eligible and 27.1% first-generation students alongside transfer accessibility
With well above average outcomes, indicating strong economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Well above average mobility outcomes
State University of New York at Cortland ranks #374 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 77.1st percentile and well above average outcomes. This medium-sized public university in Cortland, New York maintains moderately selective admission with a 50.7% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation performance across key metrics.
The institution enrolls 26.9% Pell-eligible students and 27.1% first-generation students, reflecting solid access alongside quality outcomes. Graduates earn $60,236 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 72nd percentile nationally and $10,120 above the peer median of $50,116.
With earnings beyond expectations of $1,119, ranking at the 60.4th percentile, State University of New York at Cortland demonstrates consistent value delivery. The university's Opportunity Builders designation reflects its combination of accessible admission, diverse student enrollment, and above-average career outcomes.
State University of New York at Cortland combines accessible admission with strong return on educational investment. Graduates earn a median of $60,236 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 72nd percentile nationally and significantly above the peer median of $50,116.
Earnings span from $43,982 at the 25th percentile to $82,293 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating varied but generally positive career trajectories. The institution generates $1,119 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 60.4th percentile on this measure.
Students seeking strong outcomes at a mid-sized public university with accessible admission and manageable costs. Best suited for those interested in education, health sciences, or specialized programs with above-average post-graduation earnings.
Well-positioned for first-generation students (27.1%) and those prioritizing program-specific excellence over institutional prestige.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the State University Of New York At Cortland hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/state-university-of-new-york-at-cortland/analysis.
State University of New York at Cortland admits 50.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 2 applicants receives an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate places the university in the middle range of four-year institutions, significantly more accessible than highly selective colleges while maintaining academic standards.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights that State University of New York at Cortland is considerably more selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, with an admission rate 33.9 percentage points lower than peers. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic credentials have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does evaluate applications holistically.
For prospective students, this selectivity level suggests the need for competitive academic preparation while not requiring the exceptional credentials demanded by highly selective institutions. Students should approach State University of New York at Cortland as a realistic target school if their academic profile aligns with admitted student characteristics, while still including more accessible options in their college list.
The moderate selectivity combined with strong outcomes makes this institution an attractive option for students seeking quality education with reasonable admission odds.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
State University of New York at Cortland maintains a published cost of attendance of $26,413 annually, consisting of $18,725 in out-of-state tuition ($8,815 for in-state residents), $15,210 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
The average net price across all income levels is $19,951, representing $6,462 in financial aid savings from the sticker price. This net price is $5,858 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating that State University of New York at Cortland costs more than comparable institutions.
The higher net price reflects the university's positioning as a quality public institution with above-average outcomes, though families should carefully evaluate the cost-benefit relationship. Financial aid targeting helps lower-income families access the institution, with substantial price reductions based on family income levels.
The $6,462 average financial aid savings demonstrates meaningful institutional investment in affordability, though not to the extent seen at peer institutions with more aggressive aid policies.
State University of New York at Cortland graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth throughout the early career period. Median earnings increase from $46,535 six years after enrollment to $56,579 at eight years and $60,236 at ten years, representing 29.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from cohorts of 962 to 1,210 graduates across the different time periods, providing confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $1,119 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 60.4th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $43,500, demonstrating the university's ability to support upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $43,982 at the 25th percentile to $82,293 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and individual career progression.
Approximately 26.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions, State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn $10,120 more annually, positioning the university favorably within its comparison group.
Biology, General.
60 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
19 graduates
Business/Managerial Economics.
124 graduates
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.
71 graduates
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
48 graduates
State University of New York at Cortland offers 15 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Agricultural Teacher Education stands out with a #5 national ranking and #2 state ranking, graduating 191 students with median earnings of $52,869 and an exceptional value score of 97.1.
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed ranks #3 nationally and #3 in state, producing 71 graduates earning $61,537 with a value score of 97.2. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #11 nationally and #8 in state, graduating 135 students with median earnings of $51,884 and a value score of 95.4.
Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology ranks #8 nationally and #3 in state, with 48 graduates earning $60,941. Criminology achieves the #1 state ranking and #4 national ranking, graduating 59 students with median earnings of $55,104.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program with 300 graduates earning $49,343, ranking #30 nationally and #2 in state.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Suny Oneonta Higher acceptance rate (19.4 percentage points higher) and located 58 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NY | 70% | $60,386 | Compare |
Keuka College Higher acceptance rate (43.2 percentage points higher) and located 46 miles away; similar graduate earnings | NY | 94% | $58,289 | Compare |
King's College Higher acceptance rate (42.5 percentage points higher) and located 94 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 93% | $59,498 | Compare |
St. Thomas Aquinas College Higher acceptance rate (31.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 82% | $62,909 | Compare |
Bridgewater State University Higher acceptance rate (38.5 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | MA | 89% | $57,466 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama A & M University Similar quality tier (#368 ranked) | AL | 66% | $40,628 | #368 | Compare |
Marshall University Similar quality tier (#371 ranked) | WV | 96% | $46,354 | #371 | Compare |
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Similar quality tier (#366 ranked) | TX | 89% | $51,865 | #366 | Compare |
Bridgewater State University Similar quality tier in Northeast (#374 ranked) | MA | 89% | $57,466 | #374 | Compare |
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Similar quality tier (#365 ranked) | NC | 92% | $43,407 | #365 | Compare |