Ithaca College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Ithaca College is 69.94%. This means that 70 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Ithaca College Admission Requirements
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Ithaca College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Ithaca College Average SAT Score: 1285
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ithaca College is 1285 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1285 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1370 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ithaca College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1190, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Ithaca College.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 625 | 580 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 610 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1285 | 1190 | 1370 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1190 then you are below most of the admitted students at Ithaca College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1370 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Ithaca College with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ithaca College are good but the admission staff at Ithaca College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Ithaca College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Ithaca College is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Ithaca College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 28 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 31 |
Can I get into Ithaca College with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Ithaca College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Ithaca College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Ithaca College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Ithaca College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.Ithaca College Profile
Name: Ithaca College
City: Ithaca
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 14850-7002
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Can I Get Into Ithaca College Without SAT Or ACT?: Ithaca College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a Ithaca College degree Worth It?
Getting into Ithaca College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Ithaca College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Ithaca College is $77,400 and unemployment rate is 3.01%.
How much does a degree from Ithaca College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Ithaca College is $66,162. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ithaca College is much less than this.
19.01% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.15 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Ithaca College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Ithaca College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Ithaca College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Ithaca College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $63,548. An average Ithaca College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ithaca College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | University of South Florida, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Covenant College, GA | 1254 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Bradley University, IL | 1237 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ithaca College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ithaca College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About Ithaca College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,548 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $66,162 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 19.0% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the institution's official financial aid page for details.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Ithaca College is 69.94% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Ithaca College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1285 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1190-1370
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Ithaca College.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.