From left: IC Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Melanie Stein, IC President La Jerne Terry Cornish, TC3 President Amy Kremenek, and TC3 Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Aaron Tolbert at the signing ceremony. (Photo by Simon Wheeler)
From left: IC Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Melanie Stein, IC President La Jerne Terry Cornish, TC3 President Amy Kremenek, and TC3 Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Aaron Tolbert at the signing ceremony. (Photo by Simon Wheeler)
Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) have established a new dual admission agreement that expands access and creates a seamless pathway for students to begin their education at TC3 and continue on to complete a bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College.
The agreement allows students to be admitted to both institutions at the outset—starting at TC3 and transitioning to Ithaca College after completing their associate degree.
Designed to reduce barriers and provide continuity, the dual admission program offers students a structured academic pathway with coordinated support at every stage.
Students apply through TC3’s standard application process and, once enrolled, are co-advised by TC3 and Ithaca College advisors. This collaborative approach ensures alignment in coursework, expectations, and long-term planning, creating a smooth transition between institutions.
“This partnership helps us meet students where they are—expanding access and creating new possibilities for students and the communities we serve,” said Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish. “Our work with Tompkins Cortland Community College reflects a strong alignment of mission and a shared commitment to building on that foundation. Together, we are creating a clear, supported pathway for students to build on their experiences, explore across interests and ways of thinking, and move forward with confidence. It’s an approach grounded in opportunity, continuity, and a shared commitment to student success.”
"Ithaca College is a widely respected and admired institution, recognized as one of the top colleges in our region and nationally. TC3 has a long history of collaborating with IC, and our relationship is only growing stronger with this new dual admissions partnership. We have long shared similar values and commitment to our community, and now we will share some of the same students," said TC3 President Kremenek. "This agreement presents an incredible avenue to earn an associate degree at TC3 and seamlessly continue on to finish a bachelor's degree at IC. This will benefit our students, both institutions, and our community as a whole, and I am profoundly appreciative of the work done to bring this valuable agreement to life."
TC3 staff member and IC alumna Debra Meeker '01 with President Cornish. (Photo by Simon Wheeler)
The dual admission agreement includes the following program pathways:
Students in these programs will complete their associate degree at TC3 before continuing into corresponding bachelor’s programs at Ithaca College, with aligned curricula designed to support timely degree completion.
Students who transition to Ithaca College through the dual admission program will receive significant financial support, including annual scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $36,000.
Beyond financial aid, the program emphasizes continuity in advising and academic experience, ensuring that students arrive prepared to engage fully in Ithaca College’s hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
The partnership reflects a longstanding relationship between Ithaca College and TC3, grounded in a shared commitment to student success and community impact.
By aligning programs, advising, and support, the agreement creates new opportunities for students to pursue a four-year degree with clarity, confidence, and a strong academic foundation.
The dual admission agreement will begin with students entering TC3 in the upcoming academic year, with additional program pathways and opportunities expected to develop over time.
Prospective students interested in learning more about dual admission are encouraged to share their information and learn more about next steps.