Situated near 150 majestic waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, the city of Ithaca, New York, has been ranked as the best college town in the United States — hosting tech startups, a “killer music scene,” Broadway-caliber theatre, and world-class restaurants as well as alumni-owned ice cream shops.
Quick Facts You Should Know about IC
Ithaca College is a private residential campus where students find life-changing academic pathways, powerful career networks, and lifelong community.
Community
#1
Best College Town
According to a 2019 study by Livability.com, Ithaca, New York, is a top nature destination with an eclectic downtown that hosts annual festivals and thriving art, music, food, and theatre scenes.
#1
Trans-Supportive College/University
With a 5 out of 5 rating on the Campus Pride Index, IC is deeply committed to inclusive programs, policies, and services for LGBTQ+ students — and started National Pronoun Day.
200+
Student Orgs & Clubs
Put your passions and interests to work with like-minded people. You can even start your own club to bring your favorite hobby or volunteer opportunity to campus.
Location
Student Profile
Whether they are winning Pulitzers, launching nonprofits, anchoring broadcast news, leading multibillion-dollar companies, or revolutionizing patient care (among many other pursuits and accomplishments), students at Ithaca College learn different and leave different.
5,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Undergraduate: 4,600
-
Graduate: 400
Student Body Demographics: IC students are from 49 states, two U.S. territories, and 45 countries. Currently 44% are New York State residents and 56% are from outside New York State.
Graduation Rate: Of the first-time, full-time students entering IC in the fall 2015 semester, 77.2% graduated within six years. (The mean national average at private nonprofit four-year institutions is 76.7%.)
Campus Life: More than 70% of undergraduates reside on campus.
96%
of classes have fewer than 40 students
68%
of classes have fewer than 20 students
Schools and Enrollment
Ithaca College offers more than 140 majors and minors through its five schools. The following is a breakdown of undergraduate enrollment by school:
460
Business
Undergraduate Student Enrollment
1,390
Communications
Undergraduate Student Enrollment
1,290
Humanities and Sciences
Undergraduate Student Enrollment
770
Health Sciences and Human Performance
Undergraduate Student Enrollment
690
Music, Theatre, and Dance
Undergraduate Student Enrollment
Jobs and Internships
At IC, we pave the way for incredible professional experiences, which include helping students build industry-specific connections and career communities, resume-building opportunities, and other personalized support.
144,000+
Jobs, Internships, and Fellowships
available through the Center for Career Exploration and Development each year
61,000+
Alumni Network Members
across the United States and around the world
History
Founded by a homesick violinist with a big vision, Ithaca College started out as the Ithaca Conservatory of Music — combining theory, practice, and performance from its inception. By the 1920s, academic programs expanded to include business, speech therapy, physical education, and the dramatic arts. IC was originally located in downtown Ithaca and moved to the present campus on South Hill overlooking Cayuga Lake in the 1960s.
Public Safety and Emergency Management
Student safety is a top priority at IC. Refer to our security services on campus to find out more about our walking patrols, 24/7 emergency response to incidents of misconduct or bias, and other public safety considerations.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The Ithaca College Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available. (You may also request a paper copy from the Office of Public Safety & Emergency Management by calling 607-274-3353.) This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for Ithaca College. The policy statements address IC’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security — for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years’ statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in off-campus buildings, on property owned or controlled by the school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.