SUNY Cortland is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of SUNY Cortland is 59.78%. This means that 60 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are SUNY Cortland Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the SUNY Cortland is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
SUNY Cortland Admission Requirements
SUNY Cortland GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SUNY Cortland is 3.7. SUNY Cortland is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.4 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.3 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into SUNY Cortland Without SAT Or ACT?: SUNY Cortland 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 4 to 5 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.
SUNY Cortland SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
SUNY Cortland Average SAT Score: 1165
The average SAT score of the admitted students at SUNY Cortland is 1165 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SUNY Cortland SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1165 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. SUNY Cortland allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to SUNY Cortland. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SUNY Cortland SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAT Composite | 1165 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at SUNY Cortland and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 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 1150
Can I get into SUNY Cortland with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at SUNY Cortland are good but the admission staff at SUNY Cortland 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.
SUNY Cortland Profile
Name: SUNY Cortland (SUNY Cortland)
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from SUNY Cortland Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at SUNY Cortland is USD: 25972. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at SUNY Cortland is USD: 19535
How can I get a scholarship?
28.34% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 60.96 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SUNY Cortland and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At SUNY Cortland, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SUNY Cortland as your choice in the form.
How much a SUNY Cortland Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the SUNY Cortland graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 60236. An average SUNY Cortland 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 USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY Cortland. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of SUNY Cortland, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
Regis University | Regis University, CO | 1149 | 24 |
Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as SUNY Cortland. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for SUNY Cortland, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1164 | 23 |
Flagler College | Flagler College, FL | 1168 | 26 |
Jacksonville University | Jacksonville University, FL | 1165 | 23 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY Cortland. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Community Organization and Advocacy
Frequently Asked Questions About SUNY Cortland Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $60236 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for SUNY Cortland?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25972 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at SUNY Cortland?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for SUNY Cortland?
Answer: The acceptance rate of SUNY Cortland is 59.78 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at SUNY Cortland?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to SUNY Cortland?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.4, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at SUNY Cortland with a 3.4 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to SUNY Cortland if my GPA is below 3.3
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for SUNY Cortland?
Answer: Admission to SUNY Cortland is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1165 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to SUNY Cortland from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to SUNY Cortland each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at SUNY Cortland?
Answer: The campus culture at SUNY Cortland is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into SUNY Cortland?
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 SUNY Cortland.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.