Acceptance Rate
As of 2020, Ithaca College has an acceptance rate of 72.8%, meaning that 73 students are admitted for every 100 that apply. With an average of 68%, the acceptance rate has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, dipping as low as 59%.
Due to the school’s somewhat selective admissions process, candidates with average and above GPAs and test scores have a good chance of being accepted. Although academic performance is the primary criterion for admission, a candidate’s chances will also be influenced by their courses, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Ithaca College does not believe that acceptance rates are a significant indicator of a school’s success. Although the most prestigious schools fight to have the lowest admission statistics, every student admitted to Ithaca was selected based on their ability to find success at the school. With a retention rate between the first and second year of 87%, compared to the national average of 81%, Ithaca College shows its ability to admit students who are a good fit for the college.
Requirements & Admission Tips
Despite Ithaca’s relatively high acceptance rate, applicants will still need competitive test scores and GPAs. The incoming class of 2023 has an average GPA of 3.33, meaning that admissions is looking for students that perform above average in their high school classes. By taking a challenging course load, applicants show that they can handle the rigor of college courses. The admissions team also considers class rank.
Ithaca is text-flexible, meaning that students only need to submit scores if the score helps represent them as a student. However, by not submitting scores, the school has one less dimension to consider. The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is 1255 out of 1600, and the average ACT score is 28 out of 36.
Another great way for applicants to demonstrate that they are serious about their studies is to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Ithaca College seeks out students who are compassionate, focused, curious, and service-minded. The incoming class wrote on a variety of subjects, from launching local organizations to tackling social issues.
Notable Alumni
Ithaca College alumni are known as innovators, breaking boundaries in their fields. David Muir, the anchor of ABC World News Tonight, exemplifies this. As a freshman, he became the youngest anchor at ICTV and became the youngest anchor on network television. He has helped his network top ratings and has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Through speeches to the Ithaca community, Muir inspires the next generation of journalists.
Robert Iger, the president and CEO of Disney, took advantage of the resources at Ithaca College for his professional success. He left the institution with a great passion that has led him to run one of the largest entertainment companies in the world. Despite his busy schedule, he talks with Ithaca students every year.
Despite the school’s focus on liberal arts, Ithaca also has strong technical programs. Steve Van Slyke, Class of 1978, invented the OLED technology used in smartphones worldwide. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and received over 20 patents for his work.
Faculty
As leaders in their respective fields, Ithaca faculty are qualified to teach students and go above and beyond to ensure their success. Rod Serling, known for hosting The Twilight Zone, taught at Ithaca from 1967 – 1975. His role in the television industry inspires students to this day. He was an active member of the Ithaca community, providing feedback on projects, appearing in films, and even hosting students at his nearby family home.
Asma Barlas, Professor Emerita at Ithaca, has been a part of the politics department since 1991. She was also the Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity for more than ten years.
Students in the media arts, sciences, and studies program can take courses with Nicholas Muellner. As an accomplished photographer and writer, Muellner has been recognized by Time Magazine and the Paris Photo-Aperture Foundation. His books investigate the use of photography as an interface to compelling narratives.
Similar Schools & Ranking
Ithaca is nationally recognized due to its robust academic programs and dedication to students. Niche ranks Ithaca as the #413 best college in America out of over 5,000 based on its value, diversity, and academics. Placing at #56, the Communications and Music programs are recognized for their curriculum and reputation.
Another major publication, US News, ranks Ithaca as #9 in Regional Universities North. With a score of 84 out of 100, the school is the highest-ranked institution of its kind in New York. Ithaca’s impressive graduation and retention rates, social mobility, reputation, faculty, selectivity, and financial resources contribute to their top ten placement.
Strong universities with excellent teaching, innovation, and value are among the comparable institutions to Ithaca. A strong alumni network and an effective arts, entertainment, and media program are additional crucial characteristics. Considered in light of these requirements, comparable institutions to Ithaca include Emerson College, Loyola University, and Simmons University.
Scholarships
95% of incoming freshmen were awarded scholarships, both need and merit-based, placing Ithaca in the top 20th percentile nationwide for financial aid. An average need-based scholarship of $29,000 was awarded to first-year students. Along with incoming freshmen, returning students have the opportunity to receive scholarships with varying requirements of academic performance or financial need. Ithaca has a variety of aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study, to meet the needs of most students.
Students with demonstrated leadership, artistic ability, community service, and more qualify for various scholarships available through the school. The Ithaca College Scholarship is awarded to entering undergraduates of exceptional academic ability and talent regardless of financial need. Applicants with financial need who are majoring in computer science, mathematics, or physics can apply to the S-STEM Scholar Program for up to $10,000 per year. In addition to scholarships, the program provides academic, professional, and social support.
Is Ithaca College Right For You?
Ithaca attracts curious and creative students who are ready to be challenged. The impact of the school’s alumni is felt worldwide, whether that’s in the entertainment, technical, or political field. In the school’s own words, they look for thinkers, doers, dreamers, and explorers.
In all of Ithaca’s 90+ academic programs, students have opportunities for personalized attention. While the campus houses expert faculty and first-rate facilities of a larger school, small class sizes and personal mentorship make the school unique. The spirit of drive, support, and professionalism are present throughout the entire community. The college lives by the motto “Theory, Practice, and Performance,” integrating hands-on practice with performance opportunities.
Students join an expanding alumni network after graduating. Due to their shared backgrounds, academics, businesspeople, creatives, and innovators have formed amazing international collaborations. Past and present Ithaca students are interested in making a difference with the knowledge and skills they have learned in their classes.
Sustainability
Aside from impressive academics, Ithaca is known as one of the top green colleges and is recognized by the Princeton Review for its efforts. Due to the school’s sustainability initiatives and a Gold Star rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Ithaca received a near-perfect score of 98 out of 99.
The sustainability efforts are apparent throughout the campus. Earning a platinum LEED certification, the Roy H. Park Center for Business was the first business school worldwide to earn the distinction. Other buildings on campus have been recognized for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, like the Peggy Ryan Williams Center, Athletics and Event Center, and Classroom Link corridor.
Ithaca demonstrates its environmental responsibility by offering over 150 sustainability courses across all five schools. By taking these classes, students better understand the impact of their decisions on the community and planet. The campus as a whole has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 50% over the last decade, with 100% of its energy coming from renewable source
College Rankings: The 5 Tiers of Colleges in America
FAQ
What GPA do you need to get into Ithaca?
With a GPA of 3. To attend Ithaca College, you must have a high school GPA of at least 65. You’ll need at least a combination of A and B grades, preferably more As. Harder classes, such as AP or IB courses, can make up for a low GPA.
Why is Ithaca College acceptance rate so high?
According to Koehler, the college’s efforts to attract top students may be to blame for this year’s higher acceptance rate. Top students, according to Koehler, are more difficult to retain because they typically get accepted into more colleges and universities, giving them more options for where to enroll.
Is Ithaca College hard to get in?
Ithaca College admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 78% and an early acceptance rate of 95% Ithaca College accepts half of applicants with SAT scores between 1180 and 1350 or an ACT between 27 and 31.
Is Ithaca College prestigious?
Ithaca College’s ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #12.