Ithaca College

Ithaca’s academic identity orbits around its strengths in media, health, and performance. The most popular majors—business administration (11%), radio/television (6%), and film production (5%)—reflect its roots as a communications powerhouse, while programs like exercise science draw praise for faculty accessibility. The School of Humanities and Sciences emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities rare at this level, with a curriculum that balances professional training and liberal arts. Students describe the workload as manageable but engaged, with professors who are "more than willing to meet and help."

Life at Ithaca balances crunchy Upstate New York outdoorsiness with a bustling campus culture. Over 200 student clubs range from cultural organizations to niche interest groups, while traditions like the annual "Panda Peak" sledding event foster community. The social scene draws mixed reviews: some Reddit users claim it’s "a party college," while official materials emphasize its "brave space" commitment to social justice. Either way, the college leans into its identity as a place where students "pursue all your passions"—whether that means hiking gorges or joining one of the nation’s top student-run TV stations.

Ithaca delivers strong ROI, with an 85.7% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students—well above the national average. Alumni earn a median $31,574 one year post-graduation, jumping to $59,052 after five years (surpassing the $45,519 national median). The school has earned recognition for employment outcomes, with earnings data suggesting its blend of professional training and liberal arts pays off. Notably, these results place Ithaca in the top 20% of U.S. colleges for graduate outcomes.

At $43,837 net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. (after aid), Ithaca isn’t cheap—but it’s generous with support. The average financial aid package totals $47,282, with 100% of students receiving grants or scholarships averaging $35,986 annually. Need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. and merit scholarships (like the $20,750 average grant award) help offset the sticker price, though students should still expect to navigate loans and work-study options. The college’s net price calculator suggests most families pay significantly less than the published tuition.

Ithaca College carves a distinctive niche by merging the intimacy of a liberal arts college with the professional rigor of a conservatory and media school. Its communications programs—especially television/radio and film—rival those of larger universities, while its 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures mentorship rare at peer institutions. The campus culture thrives on contradictions: serious about social justice but unafraid of fun, nestled in nature yet wired for 21st-century media careers. For students who want to graduate with both practical skills and a sense of purpose, Ithaca delivers—evidenced by alumni who out-earn national averages within five years.