SUNY Cortland, established in 1868, is a premier public college for teacher education, exercise science, and outdoor recreation. Known for its physical education legacy and extensive study abroad network.
The 191-acre campus includes the state-of-the-art Park Center for athletics, the Brauer Museum of Outdoor Education, and the SUNY Cortland Downtown Gallery. Its location near the Finger Lakes provides exceptional outdoor education laboratories.
SUNY Cortland Acceptance Rate
SUNY Cortland is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 59.78%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
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 .
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.
SUNY Cortland GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at SUNY Cortland utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.70 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.30 – 3.49 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.29 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SUNY Cortland, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
SUNY Cortland SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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.
SUNY Cortland Average SAT Score: 1165
The average SAT score of the admitted students at SUNY Cortland is 1165 on the 1600 SAT scale.
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.
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 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, 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, 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?
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 ?
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?
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?
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?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.4 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
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
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 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 SUNY Cortland.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.