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State University of New York at Cortland

Cortland, NY · Public

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50.7%
Acceptance
N/A
SAT
$31,687
Sticker Price
$18,050
Net Price*
$60,236
Earnings
2.9 yrs
Payback
15,867
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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

Up 6.5 percentage points since 2018

With a 50.7% acceptance rate, State University of New York at Cortland is considered moderately selective. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to State University of New York at Cortland?

State University of New York at Cortland received 15,867 applications in 2023, up 19% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 15% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at State University of New York at Cortland?

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas leads as the most popular major at State University of New York at Cortland. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at State University of New York at Cortland?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 15% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 15% from $27,622 to $31,687.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Special Education and Teaching earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $46,087 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Special Education and Teaching $46,087
$6,765 $121,294
Business/Managerial Economics $40,768
$6,765 $121,294
Political Science and Governme... $40,551
$6,765 $121,294
Allied Health Diagnostic, Inte... $39,369
$6,765 $121,294
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic... $38,289
$6,765 $121,294
Teacher Education and Professi... $38,108
$6,765 $121,294
Communication and Media Studie... $35,060
$6,765 $121,294
Biology, General $35,060
$6,765 $121,294
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State University of New York at Cortland Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 15,867 8,046 50.7% 15.1%
2022 11,711 7,001 59.8% 19.1%
2021 11,420 6,909 60.5% 17.7%
2020 12,392 6,469 52.2% 19.9%
2019 12,942 5,959 46.0% 20.3%
2018 13,289 5,881 44.3% 20.7%
2017 11,909 5,708 47.9% 22.6%
2016 10,875 5,673 52.2% 21.8%
2015 11,060 5,623 50.8% 21.6%

Is State University of New York at Cortland worth it?

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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What do State University of New York at Cortland graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,236
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$15,400 $60,236 median $77,500

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $15,400 while the top 10% earn $77,500. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$46,535
Median Debt
$21,500
6-Year Graduation Rate
68.3%

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

The total cost of attendance at State University of New York at Cortland is approximately $31,687 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$7,070
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,980
Fees
$1,607
Room & Board
$13,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,687

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $11,272
$30-48k income $13,846
$48-75k income $18,050
$75-110k income $19,602
$110k+ income $23,422

Which majors pay the most?

  • Special Education and Teaching $46,087
  • Business/Managerial Economics $40,768
  • Political Science and Government $40,551
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $39,369
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $38,289

Who attends State University of New York at Cortland?

State University of New York at Cortland enrolls 6,780 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 56% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 6,780
Retention Rate 81%
International 1%
Women 56%
Race/Ethnicity
White 77%
Hispanic 12%
Black 4%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

63% of students receive some form of financial aid at State University of New York at Cortland. About 27% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 63%
Avg: $8,351 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 27%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 60%
Avg: $6,314
School's Own Grants 54%
Avg: $2,548 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at State University of New York at Cortland are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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