Situated near 150 majestic waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, the city of Ithaca 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 Town to Visit in America
According to CNN, 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
LGTBQ+ Friendly Schools
IC named to the BestColleges' list for 2024
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 make an impact.
4,700 students (approximate undergraduate and graduate students)
- Undergraduate: 4,200
- Graduate: 500
Student Body Demographics:
Students represent 47 states, three U.S. territories, and 51 countries.
Graduation Rate:
First-time, full-time students: 85.7% (Fall 2024 data)
Noting that in 2024, the average graduation rate at four-year colleges and universities was 71% at public schools and 76% at private non-profit schools.
Campus Life:
More than 80% of undergraduates reside on campus.
Athletics:
28 DIII teams compete at a high level in the Liberty League.
18
Average Class Size
Our small classes ensure that your voice is heard and you’ll have your instructor’s attention.
11:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Develop your expertise alongside industry-leading faculty who have the time, capacity, and passion to invest in your growth.
Schools and Enrollment
Ithaca College offers more than 140 majors and minors through its five schools. The following is a breakdown of undergraduate and graduate enrollment by school:
450
Business
Student Enrollment
1,400
Communications
Student Enrollment
1,100
Humanities and Sciences
Student Enrollment
1,075
Health Sciences and Human Performance
Student Enrollment
675
Music, Theatre, and Dance
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.
166,000+
Jobs, Internships, and Fellowships
available through the Center for Career Exploration and Development each year
70,000
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.