State University of New York at Cortland
PA-9: Affordability and Access

We do not offer a legacy admissions or scholarship program, although we always welcome letters of recommendation from SUNY Cortland Alumni. 

First-year applicants - SUNY Cortland 

seek to identify well-rounded applicants who show the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment and the desire to become active participants in the campus community. 

All applicants are reviewed individually based on the academic requirements of their school system. Preference is given to applicants who have completed the recommended years or units of coursework in the following areas: 

• History: 4

• English: 4

• Mathematics: 3-4 

•  Science: 3-4 

• Foreign Language: 3-4

• Average GPA: 90.3 

Note: SUNY Cortland is test-optional for prospective students, meaning standardized test scores are not required in the admissions process. 

Transfer Student- Admission Requirements - SUNY Cortland 

SUNY Cortland gives preference to students who have or will complete an associate’s degree. 

The university also gives preference to applicants who have completed the following: 

• 30-plus credit hours – minimum 2.5 GPA 

• 16 to 30 credit hours – 2.7 GPA 

• 15 or less credit hours – 3.0 GPA 

Grades of all college coursework completed are combined to achieve the GPA and not just the most recent college coursework. In addition, the transfer admissions committee prefers to see a positive trend in an applicant’s previous academic experience. 

Applicants also should have a high school record that would have been considered acceptable for first-year candidates. High school performance is no longer a major factor after 30 credit hours or more have been completed. 

Application Decisions - SUNY Cortland 

Freshman criteria 

You are considered a freshman applicant if you have not attended a college or university after graduating from high school or completing the equivalent in your home country. 

All admissions applications are individually reviewed. Decisions are based on a variety of factors; however, primary consideration is given to your academic background and how your performance may indicate your success as a SUNY Cortland international student. Your high school record or school leaving exam scores will be reviewed to determine if you meet the standards we seek in a student. 

Admission criteria for freshman applicants are similar across majors. 

Transfer criteria 

If you have attended a college after high school, whether in the USA or in another country, you need to apply as a transfer student. Your academic performance at all of your previous institutions will be reviewed, and your high school record may also be considered depending upon the number of college credits you have completed.  

The minimum cumulative grade point average needed for admission is 2.50 (on the 4.00 scale). Transfer applicants must select a major of study. Some majors are more competitive so having the minimum GPA may not be enough to be admitted to the program