State University of New York College at Cortland SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant at SUNY Cortland. With an admit rate near 60% and an average entering GPA of 3.48, your goal is to show you are comfortably in range; a strong SAT or ACT score can help confirm that if it is one of your better strengths.
⬡ LangSmithea2599fa-bb82-4680-bfc1-5a4c81725023Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
State University of New York College at Cortland facts and stats
State University of New York College at Cortland enrolls about 5,911 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. SUNY Cortland has an 81% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 68%.
⬡ LangSmith56694737-f9b7-4597-9674-1ad982a06470Cortland, NY
How does your GPA compare at SUNY Cortland?
Key State University of New York College at Cortland application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional SUNY Cortland, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for a retake, then plan on an October retake as the last fall test likely to return scores in time for the November 15 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmith9e5292ad-2fac-4a39-87c8-f8dd6bb481caWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at State University of New York College at Cortland?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
SUNY Cortland’s in-state tuition is $7,070, while out-of-state tuition is $16,980. About 32% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,322. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
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SUNY Cortland’s out-of-state tuition is $16,980, compared with $7,070 in-state, and room and board is $15,560. About 32% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $17,069. Merit awards average $5,322. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,049.
⬡ LangSmith0f47d90f-c7a9-450e-b32c-cb1dc9e2919eStudent life at State University of New York College at Cortland
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Acceptance rate: 60%
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NYAcceptance rate: 60.2%
Acceptance rate: 58.4%
Acceptance rate: 57.1%
SAT: 930–1220

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