Ithaca College’s education comes with a hefty price tag and a closet-full of fleece worn most of the school year. It’s the focus on real-world experience and renowned academic programs that attracts students to this unpretentious upstate New York institution. “
Ithaca College is known for four things really: Communication, Physical Therapy, our music school, and musical theater,” says a senior. Although not as famous as neighboring Cornell, Ithaca is known for the competitive Park School of Communications, sports and health science programs, and the small but esteemed music department that dates back to Ithaca’s founding as a music conservatory. The combination pre-professional and liberal arts curriculum keeps students on their toes. According to another senior, “
All of the professors I have worked with are all about getting actual, hands-on experience.” Although Greek organizations are prohibited and the varsity Division III games are seldom packed, students proudly sport their school sweatshirts in the bustling college town bars, while hiking the picturesque gorges, or at popular intramural games.
Freshmen can choose from 94 undergraduate concentrations, but those who are undecided can participate in the Exploratory Program, which allows them to wait until the end of their sophomore year to declare a major. All undergrads are required to complete 45 general education credits, except those in the Roy H. Park School of Communication, which has just 12 mandatory credits. With the exception of some core classes held in large lecture halls, most classes at Ithaca have 20-25 people, allowing for personal attention. Most students agree that besides a few bad apples, the Ithaca faculty is definitely the strong point of the college. “
Professors on campus know who you are. Regardless of the class size that you are in, the professor will still learn your name. It is great, because 4 years later, I still see my professors on campus and around town and they STILL know who I am.” says a senior biology major. Students also benefit from the college’s strong alumni network, which brings numerous celebrity speakers to campus. It is very rare to find someone bored in a classroom, as discussions are encouraged and hands-on experience is valued over lecturing from a book.
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Hippies who ride their bikes to the Farmers Market with fresh local vegetables tucked in their baskets and their shoulders protected by sunscreen,” is how this junior and most students say people outside of Ithaca College think of them. IC undergrads value comfort over fashion, largely due to the long winters, although there are some who follow the latest trends. “
It varies - some girls go all-out every day, and many people just wear sweats,” says a sophomore. Overt cliques are absent here, and students with different interests tend to intermingle. "
Best thing about Ithaca is the mix of people (jocks, computer junkies, activists, sport enthusiasts, eco-conscious go-getters)," says an alum. There is a definite emphasis on health consciousness at IC (exercise science is one of the most popular majors), and plenty of students frequent the gym, join intramural teams or hike in the gorges when the weather is warmer. Others, particularly the theater and art majors, have plenty of creative clubs and other outlets to choose from. Although there is ample diversity in terms of interests at IC, 81% of the 6,260 students are Caucasian and tend to be middle class and from the East Coast. LGBTQ groups feel very comfortable at IC. "
I came out of the closet when I was a freshman and everyone here was very accepting and understanding," says a junior.
Ithaca, NY is home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University and fits the description of a real college town. Students can choose from a row of dive bars, classy lounges, and two venues that feature theme nights. The Ithaca Commons is a favorite hangout, with quaint restaurants and boutiques, as well as its fair share of bars. IC has no Greek life, so students share a cab to nearby Cornell for weekend blow-outs or organize smaller beer pong parties in their dorms. A large percentage of upperclassmen live off-campus and host events there as well. When it’s not freezing outside, the town really comes alive. "
During fall and spring, the streets and the sidewalks are packed with drunk kids. If Ithaca gets boring, you can always take advantage of Cornell and go to frat parties over there - just make sure you bring attractive women to get you in!" says a senior. Even though IC is a Division III school and varsity sports don’t have a major influence on campus, a lot of students join an intramural or club team. Everyone wakes up at 7 a.m. for the annual Cortaca Jug game against rival SUNY Cortland in the fall, an event which is almost as big as the end-of-year Prospect Day block party. If you need a break from excessive beer consumption, there are always sober events and famous speakers on campus. The beautiful gorges, with their breathtaking waterfalls, make up for the rather plain campus and are just a short drive away.
