How to get into Ithaca College
How to get into Ithaca: a mid-size private known for communications, music, and physical therapy with audition and portfolio tracks
69%
Acceptance rate
$53,540
In-state cost
What makes Ithaca College admissions different
Ithaca College is a private college in Ithaca, New York (separate from Cornell on the hill across town) — roughly 4,200 undergrads, with national reputation in the Roy H. Park School of Communications, the School of Music, the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance (with the longstanding physical therapy program), and the School of Business. Ithaca admits around 69% of applicants. The big admissions story is program-by-program: communications, music, and PT all have their own admissions tracks (with portfolios or auditions) that operate independently of the headline rate.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Ithaca's Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision deadlines. ED is binding and gives the cleanest admit-rate bump.
- 2.
Pick the right school. The Park School (communications), the School of Music (audition-based), the School of Health Sciences (PT, OT, athletic training, exercise science — many with direct-admit pathways), the School of Humanities and Sciences, and the School of Business each have their own bar.
- 3.
Music applicants: schedule the audition and prepare a prescreen recording if required. The audition is the primary admissions factor for the School of Music.
- 4.
Communications applicants: write a Park-specific supplement and demonstrate communications experience (school paper, broadcast, video portfolio, podcast, social media).
- 5.
Pre-health (PT, OT, athletic training): confirm the direct-admit pathway requirements. These are competitive direct-admit programs with their own academic prerequisites.
- 6.
Apply for merit scholarships. Ithaca's Park Scholar (full ride for communications students), Honors Scholars, and named merit awards are stacked with admission for early applicants.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Confusing Ithaca College with Cornell University. They are entirely different schools, on opposite sides of Ithaca, with completely different admissions standards.
- ✕
Applying to the Park School with no communications background. The school reads for demonstrated interest and experience in the field.
- ✕
Skipping the music audition or PT direct-admit application. These programs have their own admissions standards.
- ✕
Missing ED when Ithaca is honestly the top choice. The binding signal genuinely helps.
The specifics for Ithaca College
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Roy H. Park School of Communications ↗
One of the most respected undergraduate communications programs in the country, with majors in TV-radio, journalism, documentary studies, integrated marketing, sport media, and more. Park Scholars program offers full tuition for top applicants.
School of Music (audition-based)
A conservatory-style music school within a liberal arts college, with audition-based admission for performance, music education, composition, and other tracks.
School of Health Sciences and Human Performance
Home to the long-established physical therapy doctorate program (one of the first in the country), occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise science, and direct-admit clinical pathways.
Notable scholarships at Ithaca College
Park Scholar ProgramFull tuition
A full-tuition scholarship for top Park School of Communications applicants, with separate application and finalist weekend.
What graduates actually do
Ithaca College is nationally known for its Park School of Communications (television/film/journalism), Roy H. Park School of Business, and School of Music. Graduates work at major TV networks, ESPN, NBC, and across the entertainment industry — the Park School is one of the most prolific feeders to sports broadcasting. The music school sends graduates into orchestras, conservatories, and music education.
Notable alumni
- Bob Iger — Business (Disney CEO)
- David Boreanaz — Acting (Buffy, Bones)
- Jessica Savitch — Television journalism
- Doris Roberts — Acting (Everybody Loves Raymond)
- Gavin DeGraw — Music
Transfer pathway
Ithaca College accepts transfer applications for fall and spring on a rolling basis. The college has articulation agreements with Tompkins Cortland Community College (immediately adjacent), Monroe Community College, and other upstate New York community colleges. A 2.5+ GPA is required; Park School transfers (communications) face higher selectivity and may need portfolios.
Articulation partners
Tompkins Cortland Community College · Monroe Community College · Onondaga Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
If you have a B+ transcript and an honest interest in one of Ithaca's specialized programs (communications, music, physical therapy, exercise science), you're competitive. The Park Scholar is one of the most generous merit awards in communications — worth applying for if you have the profile. ED is the cleanest move for committed applicants regardless of program.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.