Oswego State vs Cortland

SUNY College at Oswego and SUNY Cortland, both esteemed institutions within the State University of New York system, offer distinct educational experiences. Oswego boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Cortland maintains a slightly smaller student population. Cortland's focus on teacher preparation programs attracts students seeking careers in education, while Oswego's strengths lie in business, communication, and sciences. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including graduation rates, popular majors, and additional factors that may influence your college decision.
SUNY Cortland logo

SUNY Cortland

SUNY College at Oswego logo

SUNY College at Oswego

Overview

Location Cortland, New York Oswego, New York
Campus setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 80.0% 75.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 60.5% 79.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1090 - 1240 1060 - 1280
ACT range 22 - 27 24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 12.0% 30.0%
Students submitting ACT score 1.0% 4.0%
Total number of applicants 11,420 10,357
Total number of admissions given out 6,909 8,249
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,221 1,168
Yield rate 17.7% 14.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,210

Out of state: $36,120
In state: $26,709

Out of state: $36,619
Average net price $17,703 $15,078
Tuition
In state: $7,070

Out of state: $16,980
In state: $7,070

Out of state: $16,980
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $8,320

Meal plan: $5,240
Room/dormitory: $8,990

Meal plan: $5,650
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

67.0%
Average amount $8,299
92.0%
Average amount $9,827
Students receiving federal student loan 67.0%
Average amount $5,041
57.0%
Average amount $5,396
Students taking out private loans 13.0%
Average amount $12,692
7.0%
Average amount $11,732

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 5,984
Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
6,135
Men 47.4% Women 52.6%
Graduate students 674
Men 28.3% Women 71.7%
923
Men 37.2% Women 62.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 3.4% 5.8%
International students 0.4% 2.1%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 3,077 3,600
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania Georgia New York District of Columbia New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 64.9% 66.4%
Dropout rate 5.1% 6.9%
Transferred out 29.3% 25.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $77,923
  • Year 2: $77,401
  • Year 3: $83,130
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,928
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $58,583
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,555
  • Year 2: $40,768
  • Year 3: $53,893
Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,864
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $53,247
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,796
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: $52,839
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,533
  • Year 2: $48,789
  • Year 3: $52,808
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,249
  • Year 2: $48,703
  • Year 3: $51,520
Criminology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,567
  • Year 2: $32,806
  • Year 3: $50,314
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,594
  • Year 2: $44,021
  • Year 3: $49,016
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,326
  • Year 2: $38,108
  • Year 3: $48,323
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $75,832
  • Year 3: $82,218
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,762
  • Year 2: $56,716
  • Year 3: $69,352
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,761
  • Year 2: $67,324
  • Year 3: $68,793
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,355
  • Year 2: $50,439
  • Year 3: $60,642
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,277
  • Year 2: $49,832
  • Year 3: $55,558
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,463
  • Year 2: $37,478
  • Year 3: $47,329
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,275
  • Year 2: $39,832
  • Year 3: $46,905
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,225
  • Year 2: $37,748
  • Year 3: $46,883
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,410
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: $46,627
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,543
  • Year 2: $30,409
  • Year 3: $46,215

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main academic differences between SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland?

    SUNY Oswego is known for its strong programs in broadcasting, communications, business administration, and teacher education, particularly at the graduate level. SUNY Cortland excels in physical education, exercise science, education (especially physical education and inclusive education), and recreation. Consider your academic interests when choosing between the two.

  • How do the campus environments compare?

    SUNY Oswego offers a lakeside campus with scenic views of Lake Ontario, providing a more tranquil and picturesque setting. SUNY Cortland is located in a traditional college town, offering a more vibrant and bustling atmosphere with closer proximity to local businesses and community events.

  • Which school is better known for specific extracurricular activities or clubs?

    SUNY Oswego has a robust student media scene, including a well-regarded student-run television station (WTOP) and radio station (WNYO). SUNY Cortland is particularly strong in athletics and outdoor recreation, with numerous opportunities for participation in intramural sports, club sports, and outdoor adventure programs.

  • How do the costs of attending SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland compare?

    Tuition and fees are generally comparable between SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland for in-state students. However, total cost of attendance can vary based on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal spending habits. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date cost information and financial aid opportunities.

  • What are the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios like at each school?

    Both SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland offer relatively small class sizes and favorable student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. You can expect similar learning environments in terms of class size at both institutions.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland?

    Both SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland offer comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Internship opportunities are available in a variety of fields, and both schools have strong connections with local and regional employers. The specific opportunities available may vary depending on your major.

  • How do the housing options differ between the two colleges?

    SUNY Oswego offers a variety of residence halls, including traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living. Many halls offer lake views. SUNY Cortland also provides diverse housing options, with a mix of traditional residence halls and suite-style accommodations. Consider visiting both campuses to see which housing options best suit your preferences.

  • What is the surrounding area like for each college?

    SUNY Oswego is located in the city of Oswego, NY, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The area offers access to outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and hiking. SUNY Cortland is situated in the city of Cortland, NY, a traditional college town with a lively downtown area and easy access to the Finger Lakes region.

  • Are there any notable differences in the student demographics at SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland?

    While both are SUNY schools and draw students from across New York State and beyond, there may be slight variations in student demographics. Reviewing the official institutional research data for each college can provide more specific information on factors like ethnicity, geographic origin, and academic background.

  • Which school is known for a stronger alumni network in specific fields?

    SUNY Oswego boasts a strong alumni network in media, communications, and business, particularly in the Central New York region. SUNY Cortland's alumni network is particularly strong in education, physical education, and recreation-related fields throughout New York State.

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