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State University of New York College at Cortland SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.48

Acceptance Rate59.8%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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%.

Location

Cortland, NY

Undergrad Enrollment5,911

Freshman Retention81%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty RatioN/A

Graduation Rate68%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at SUNY Cortland?

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Key State University of New York College at Cortland application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

November 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

In-State Tuition$7,070

Out-of-State Tuition$16,980

Room and Board$15,560

Average Merit Award$5,322

Application Fee$50

Students on Aid32%

Average Aid Package$17,069

Average Debt at Grad$30,049

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.