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State University of New York at Cortland

Cortland, NY·Public·5,896 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for in-state New York residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 5,896 students.

51%
Accept
5,896
Students
$19,951
Net Price
68%
Grad Rate
$49,200
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

State University of New York at Cortland is a public institution located in Cortland, New York with approximately 5,896 undergraduate students enrolled. State University of New York at Cortland has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,951 per year. The graduation rate is 68%, and the typical graduate earns $49,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

The State University of New York at Cortland is a public university in Cortland, New York, United States. It was founded in 1868 and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Worth considering if you're looking for an affordable public option — at $19,951/year after aid and a median debt of just $17,500 at graduation, the financial picture is genuinely reasonable. The 68% graduation rate is a bit below average, though, meaning roughly 1 in 3 students doesn't finish, which is worth asking the school about directly. Median earnings of $49,200 a decade out are modest but manageable given the low debt load, making this a solid fit for students who are clear on their career path and plan to stay enrolled.

Founded
1868
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Education36%
Social Sciences9%
Psychology7%
Business & Marketing6%
Health Professions6%
Communications6%
Biological Sciences3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Kevin JamesGeorge TenetMick FoleyTed DemmeAljamain SterlingAnn E. DunwoodyGeorge Breen

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,815
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,725
Avg Net Price
$19,951
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$26,413

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
68%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,896 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

State University of New York at Cortland

Miller Building

Cortland, NY 13045-0900

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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