State University Of New York At Cortland

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.

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.

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.