Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY, USA

Reviews

Ithaca College

Courtney from Yorktown Heights, NY

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
Ithaca College offers many opportunities to pursue any subject that you may desire to study. You can be a communication major and still have the chance to take art history or any other class that may catch your eye. As a cinema major, I have taken several film classes already that offer a variety of information on film techniques, directors' styles, and using actually film equipment. Ithaca does not require any general studies classes while attending, except for a semester of academic writing which helped me out a lot, but instead offers a wide range of classes that you may choose to take. At Ithaca you feel as if you have limitless options when it comes to your academic life. Ithaca does not bound you to any specific subject but instead encourages you to try new things and study something outside your major. You even have the opportunity to take classes at Cornell College or in any study abroad program. I know I'm already planning on studying in London, England during my junior year.
Am enjoying being here
The second you step on to the campus you can feel the full college life. Ithaca offers so much socially and academically. The atmosphere on campus makes it hard to leave. Everyday is a new adventure. From the variety of clubs, sports teams, and social facilities makes it hard to ever be bored. Even when you step off campus there are many things to do. You can go to the town, which is just at the bottom of the hill, and eat at various restaurants or shop in several unique stores or just hang out in the commons. My friends and I usually go swimming in the gorges when its warm and head into the commons when its cold. During my spare time I usually either head to the gym, which has a great rock wall, or hang with my friends in the pub, which is an area inside campus center where you can just sit and hang with your friends while listening to music or grab a bite to eat from any of the three mini restaurants. I love especially my dorm building, Terrace 13, which is new this year. My dorm is great because everyone on my floor is so close and everyone's room has a air conditioner and heater that you can control yourself. I have never had a dull moment at school.
Bang for the buck
Ithaca College offers a lot of financial aid to students. Most people that I have talked to this year have told me that they had received some sort of financial aid. I am one of the many who has received financial help. The tuition is very expensive, but the school is so worth it. Ithaca offers a lot of opportunities and is well known for their successful alumni who are always willing to help out a fellow Ithaca student. The school offers many internships and study abroad programs. The school also offers a lot of employment opportunities on campus for attending students. The work study program allows students to have paid jobs on campus while attending school. The jobs vary from working as a lifeguard by the pool to working in a office to working in the library. I have a job in the dining hall once a week. The school allows you to pick where you want to work and how many days you want to work. Everything about Ithaca is focused on the students' needs; the professors are all there to help students be successful and reach their fullest potential.
Tips for prospective students
Ithaca is a great place to be and if you decide to attend that take advantage of all these great opportunities. Take a class that sounds any bit interesting to you, join a team or club if is about something you like to do, be part of the work study program if you are worried about money, go out and meet new people, and don't be afraid to ask your advisor or professors for help or advise about anything. You only have four years of college, make sure you use those four years well and live them to the fullest.
Great for these types of students
Are you creative, intelligent, friendly, unique, and want the chance to experience something new or be attend a school that makes you feel comfortable to be who you are? Then you are a Ithaca student. Everyone here is unique and friendly; its hard not to make friends. I know going away from home may be scary especially if you enter into college not knowing anybody, but attending Ithaca makes you feel right at home and makes the transition from high school to college really easy and pain free. If you want to the full college experience then you should be a Ithaca College student!

Dana from East Stroudsburg, PA

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
The professors at Ithaca College are devoted and are always willing to help students. As a sophomore I have learned more than I have ever imagined in my freshman year. As a cinema and photography major I have already made two short films and used bolex film cameras.
Am enjoying being here
Ithaca College provides a diverse student body and a variety of programs to orient freshman comfortably. The school is very friendly and active, holding a variety of festivals throughout the year. The nearby town is also very active and includes Cornell University.
Bang for the buck
Ithaca's tuiton is reasonable as it's programs are very well-known and credible, especially its communications program. The school also has a wide variety of student help organizations that help students find jobs, internships, and also help with academics.
Tips for prospective students
If I could give prospective students some simple advice, I would tell them to focus on school and plan your time wisely but also have fun. Make sure you love your major and if not become and exploratory major so that you can easily determine what you are good at. Also, always plan ahead and try to stay organized. Take advantage of the tools, professors, and other students that the school has provided to help you.
Great for these types of students
Students that are seeking an open-minded and creative school to express themselves should pursue Ithaca. Also, students that want a comfortable and stress-free environment will love Ithaca. Music, theater, communications, and business majors will especially fit in because of Ithaca's great reputation in these areas.

Michelle from PA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning more and succeeding more than I thought I ever could. I get hands and personal instruction from my professors; it is an opportunity that not many other colleges offer.
Am enjoying being here
Everyone in Ithaca is nice. It didn't take too long to make some good friends and everyone is very welcoming.
Bang for the buck
It is slightly expensive, but it is worth it. Ithaca offers so many opportunities, great teachers and classes, and a great environment. Plus, the financial aid office is likely to help out with decent aid packages.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of all that Ithaca College has to offer. Take classes you enjoy, study, and have fun. Get involved. Also study abroad if you can.
Great for these types of students
Music, communications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, theater

Victoria-Lyn from Ithaca, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
1) Ithaca is gorges.
2) For the most part, the people here are very openminded and outgoing.
3) Music is a large part of Ithaca College's history, and it is fascinating to witness some of the shows that are put on here.
Tips for prospective students
1) Develop good study habits if you have not already done so. It is very rare that one will do well on college exams if they have not studied. Notecards work best for me, but I am sure different strategies help different people more.
2) Pack clothes for each of the four seasons, especially winter. Winter is definitely the longest season here at Ithaca, but it can be beautiful. At the same time, when it is hot here, it is very warm. You really just have to be prepared for everything.
3) Be social. Making friends and knowing who you should study with and who you can have fun with is very important. Everyone gets homesick, no matter how far away from Ithaca you live. Meeting new people is one of the best parts about college. I am only a sophomore and I am already so close with the people I have met here. But I do have friends that I can be productive with, others I can have one with, and then some I can do/be both with. It is important to figure that out early on.
Academic Rigor
There are definitely certain majors that appear to be harder than others, but overall I would argue college is challenging in general. As cliche as it sounds, it really is what you make of it. If you study hard and attend class, you may surprise yourself with how well you do. Attendance is not always mandatory, but it usually is. Most professors are pretty strict about the attendance policy, and honestly I find it beneficial when they are. They are also very fair about when an absence does occur. They are usually more fair if you are a good, participating, hard-working student. The best way to think about it is that you are paying for each class, so if you do not go, that is money you waste. One of the greatest parts about IC is the size. It is not so small where you see the same people everyday, but it is also not so big where there is a slim chance your professors will know your name. This makes it easier to get extra help and keep up with your classes.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is a plus here at Ithaca. It is a smaller school, so people tend to be pretty respectful. Public Safety is also very alert and seems to be on top of things. The dorms are overall very clean, plus laundry is included in tuition, so you never need to lug around any change! There is an all girls dorm, an honors dorm, coed dorms by floor, coed dorms by door, and freshman housing which really makes it easy to choose what will work best for you.
Food and Dining
The dinning halls at IC are not my personal favorites, and I have been to a lot of college campuses. There are a few cafes and a convenience stores on campus and a little market place that are extremely tasty. As for the dining halls, although they are not the best, they do offer a lot of variety. There are a ton of vegan and vegetarian options, in my opinion, especially for a small college campus. Most people prefer the Terrace Dinning Hall. I would have to agree with them, and also state weekend brunch at Terrace's never disappoints.
What to do for fun
Going out to eat is never a bad call in Ithaca. The Commons, located downtown, is a neat place. There is always something going on down there, and it also houses all of these cute little shops and restaurants. Cayuga Lake is another favorite, especially during the fall and summer. Gorge jumping is something almost every Ithacan experiences, and it is definitely a one of a kind experience.
Bang for the buck
The restaurants in town are tremendous. It is said that Ithaca actually has more restaurants per capita than NYC. This is pretty impressive considering Ithaca is not that large of a place. It is also College Town. With us, Cornell, and a community college in the area, there ends up being around 30,000 college students inhabiting this little town. This makes the weekends interesting to say the least. The greatest part would have to be the fact so many places stay open and deliver in order to accommodate for all of us. We also have to TCAT, which is a bus that helps make transportation easier. Lastly, there is an airport located in Ithaca, which is definitely convenient.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I would say my favorite tradition here at Ithaca would be the Cortaca. Since it is not a Division I school, athletics are not as closely followed as universities such as Duke or anything similar. But the Cortaca Jug is a televised football game that features us and Cortland. There is a huge rivalry there and it is honestly a great weekend and an interesting event to be apart of. It is often referred to as the biggest little game.
Great for these types of students
Adventurous students will definitely benefit the most in Ithaca. The town itself is gorges. That being said, there are waterfalls and hiking trails that you really cannot beat. Cayuga Lake is visible from some parts of campus and is breathtaking. As soon as it gets warm out, you see students heading over to the lake or to go gorge jumping quite often.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs on campus. I participate in a few intramural sports. These are mostly coed, but not always. Being apart of the business school, I have also been introduced to clubs that are involved in international marketing, women in business, and other various groups. With each school on campus, there is something to do and bigger group to be apart of. There are also a lot of club sports, as well an an equestrian team.
Greek Life
It is a Division III school, so Greek Life is not huge. But there are a couple of music fraternities and sororities, one that I believe is even coed. There is also the opportunity to pledge at Cornell, which is located in the same town. A lot of my friends belong to a Jewish fraternity, AEPi.
Campus Safety
There are public safety telephones located all over campus, you just have to look for the poles topped with blue lights. Campus Security is always driving around, as well as RAs that walk around and monitor dorms and the campus as a whole. All in all, IC is a very safe campus. It is one of those few places where you feel comfortable running at nighttime.

Music and Anthropology Double Major at IC

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
The Ithaca College faculty members are really knowledgeable about each of their respective fields and have no difficulty sharing this with students. Most have a Ph.D. in their field and have professional experience outside of the classroom which they incorporate into lessons. Students are given the ability to put forth feedback on their professors, so even if there was an issue with teaching students would be able to address this. There are tons of extra-curricular activities available on the IC campus, from a Quidditch club to a Gay Rights activism group, therefore enabling learning outside of the classroom as well. There is always a theater show or concert going on every night of the week (literally every night) so students find it hard to be bored.
Am enjoying being here
I love the IC campus. There is a healthy mix of liberal college students for which the city of Ithaca is known for, but there are also plenty of more conservative, business-oriented students and athletes for many sports. People at IC are on the whole very welcoming; this includes the professors and students as well as professional staff members. The town itself is amazing because it feels metropolitan yet is also on the small side for college towns. There is a huge amount of culture to be had both on-campus and off.
Bang for the buck
Ithaca is extremely expensive and most are shocked at the price at first glance. Though it is very high, Ithaca is usually good about finding scholarships for students or finding other ways to fund their education. Ithaca is also great in that they admit to not having every class that more research-oriented students might want, so they have an exchange agreement with Cornell University in which we can take classes there (up to 12 credits) and they can take classes here.
Tips for prospective students
If you want a school that has a huge, diverse population, Ithaca may not be the best choice for you. Many (but definitely not all) students are from the East Coast of the US. The student population is around 6,500 undergrads I believe, so you can always meet someone new but still recognize most people you see on campus. Though we're a liberal arts college, the educational quality is great and IC prepares you exceptionally well for your future career.
Great for these types of students
Ithaca is rated one of the best schools for LGBTQAA students, so if that is a factor, Ithaca is a great choice. Most staff and students are extremely accepting of LGBTQAA students and we even have a residential learning area specifically for LGBTQAA students who wish to live there.
IC is also really great for music students (#1 in the US for music education and in the top 10 for performance) and theater students.
Students interested in Business would do really well here because our Business School is one of the top in the nation and there are tons of professional opportunities available to them.
Also, the PT and OT program are ranked some of the best in the nation.
Basically, students who enjoy a well-rounded education (outside and inside the classroom) would do well here. Those focused solely on one specific area in life would not.

Ruth from Windsor, CT

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Once took a class called Intro to Communication Disorders for fun. Turned out to be a really hard class but I learned so much. There are so many classes people can take that have nothing to do with your major. It can just be something that intrests you and you get credit for it. How great is that?!
I am a Writing major and enjoy the writing classes we have. So many different areas. We have creative, feature, sports and grant writing. I personally am a creative writer and I love being able to write about whatever I want and it doesnt matter how weird it sounds.
Am enjoying being here
The weather could be alot better but the atmosphere and the accpetence I feel here is amazing! Every one is friendly and helpful. The view is gorgeous! So everyone should definitely get a Ithaca is Gorges because it is so true. The gorges are great and as a right of passage one must go gorge jumping. Although, I do have to warn you, the waters kinda cold even in September.
Bang for the buck
I think it is worth the money because of the reputation Ithaca College has on the workplace. Also the Career Center has great resources for Internships and the like. So many kids who have graduated from IC have gone to do great things and have worked at top companies. I know that a college with that kind of history, is a great college to go to no matter the cost. It will be worth it in the long run. I know that I will have alot of loans to pay off but I am sure it will work out.
Tips for prospective students
The town of Ithaca is a legit collegetown which means everyone should explore it especially the Commons. It is a great place to shop and eat.
The parties are good here too especially at Cornell but remember if you stay out late, there are vey few busses that will bring you back to IC. The taxi service is wicked expensive too.
One thing I wish someone told me is how quickly winter comes. So bring a heavy jacket after fall break. Trust me, you are going to need it.
Cortaca is the biggest little game in America. Seriously. If you dont go to any other football game, go to this one.
Visit Ithaca College before you start, I guarantee you will make your decision in a snap.
Great for these types of students
Ithaca College is great for all kinds of people. Ithaca is both rural and city like because of the hill we are on and the town of Ithaca. The workload isnt super hard but its not super easy either so I feel like its the perfect balance. If you love the cold, IC is perfect because it is cold 85% of the year. This school has a great music, drama and physical therapy program. Those are the three majors most people come for but dont get me wrong, the other majors are great too. Overall, this school is great!!! Check us out!

Erika from Amherst, MA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
The professors here really know their stuff. They sincerely want you to learn your material and are always willing to meet with you after class to help hash out problems you are having. I've only been here for one semester but I've gotten help from several teachers outside of class and have done much better in class because of it.
Am enjoying being here
Everything you need is not far from Ithaca College. Downtown is only a short bus ride away. As far as being on campus, there are so many wonderful services here that many colleges don't offer to the extent Ithaca does (my personal favorite is the LGBT center where there is a full-time staff employee there to help organize events and be a resource for LGBT students).
Bang for the buck
Ithaca College is a private school, so of course it is expensive. But it is totally worth the money. Teachers are so involved and want their students to succeed and there are so many clubs and organizations you have access to. There is also a new fitness center in the works, and, like the current one, it will be free to get in for students.
Tips for prospective students
Like any college application, put a lot of love and care into it. Show that you are sincerely interested in what they have to offer. Be sure to include all the little details... Ithaca is one of those colleges that will actually look at them.
Great for these types of students
Anyone can fit in at Ithaca College. However, I have noticed that students who know how to balance their social life with their academic life do the best. Ithaca has rigorous programs, but you have to commit yourself to the program. You will have to do lots of work and lots will be expected of you.

Music Major

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
The music curriculum isn't one where if you mention to people I'm a music major their response will be along the lines of Oh, that's easy. Our schedule is packed with one, .5, and two credit classes, and when we're not at class, we're practicing or reviewing homework in McHenry or the Diva Lounge. After my freshman year, I feel like I've really become emersed on what it's like to learn nothing but music (okay, so I had a few non-music classes too). Keyboard, history (and you can't forget Styles with John White!), fundies+music theory, sightsinging, and more have all provided a comprehensive background for preparation for my sophomore year.
Am enjoying being here
LOVE it. Going to other college campuses made me love my school more. It's manageable to get around, yet not TOO small (compared to Cornell that's up the hill and really should have it's own zip code). And it is absolutely beautiful!
Bang for the buck
Well, a recently upped $51,000 pricetag definitely isn't one of the cheapest colleges you can go to. I didn't get a lot of financial aid because of my grades, but they do have great programs such as the MLK and Park Scholar programs that offer up to full tuition. And if your grades ARE good, don't let the price scare you because they do have other scholarships that award good grades.
Tips for prospective students
Visit not only during spring or summer, but also in the winter. It's not as bad as I thought, but I'm from Connecticut and the only difference I found was that there was wind chill because of Lake Cayuga. For others, though, the sharp cold plus all the hills and stairs can be a deterring factor.
Great for these types of students
Music, music theater, communications programs are some of the top in the country.

Mel from MA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I came to this school knowing almost nothing about communications, but we dived right in and were using cameras within the first week of classes. The curriculum for classes inside and outside park is very hands on and I feel very confident, even in classes I didn't think I would do very well in. The professors are very open and willing to help and I have always felt that they see us as individual students with specific needs rather than just a class. Not to mention, you will have an advisor who knows you name and can actually help you. I have had many opportunities to take classes in a variety of different fields and am learning more than I ever though I would.
Am enjoying being here
Although it is a long drive from home, it's worth it. I hardly ever feel bored with the collegetown feel of Ithaca and theres always something going on during the weekend such as concerts, shows and movies on campus. Getting downtown is pretty easy with the TCat buses which will also bring you to malls and stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Because the school is a little smaller, I found it a lot easier to meet people in my classes and dorms. There are also so many extracurricular activities to be a part of ranging from working on a television show for ICTV to raising money for cancer research. In the warm weather, most people will just head down for a hike and go to the gorges. Ithaca is a beautiful town and there are so many diverse opportunities for the students from both Ithaca and Cornell.
Also, thanks to Ithaca College, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester. It was probably the best four months of my life and I met the most incredible people there and got to travel to places I never imagined I would get to go to. Ithaca has their own center in London and LA and I think that being in that small Ithaca community really helped when trying to ease into an entirely different environment. Not to mention, your financial aid and credits easily travel over!
Bang for the buck
Being a private school, Ithaca is pretty expensive. Like most people, without financial aid, I wouldn't be able to attend this school. Luckily, Ithaca does give out a good amount of grants and loans to help students like me. But it is definitely worth it, with all the opportunities that Ithaca gives to students, not to mention the great reputation of its name that will follow you around, even after you leave the school. There is also a great work study program that gives students with need a job at one of the many locations of campus. I have worked in the dining hall which gives me a flexible schedule and the ability to pick up others people's shifts. There are also many jobs available in places like the library, game room, information desk, catering and event services. Ithaca wants to give all students the chance to experience the school and does a lot to help those who are more financially challenged. But with everything I have gotten to do inside Roy H Park School of Communications, the people and alumni I have been able to meet and the ability to travel to another country has definitely been worth it.
Tips for prospective students
I know this is generic advice, but get involved with as much as you can. There is so much to do and see around Ithaca and over 200 clubs and activities that allow you to experience that.
Ithaca has pretty unpredictable weather. Since I've been there, there has been snow is September and sun in January. You really want to make sure you're prepared for those days when its 30 degrees and raining and then suddenly its 50 degrees and sunny.
There is so much to get involved in, not only the school, but the town itself. If you don't get work study, get a job off campus. I volunteer at an animal shelter only 15 minutes away from the school. There are so many festivals and events downtown, so make sure you don't spend all your time on campus.
Don't be afraid to take a class you don't know anything about. I know nothing about computers but I am getting ready to take a 3D animation programming class next semester and I couldn't be more excited! Ithaca has so many different fields, it's impossible to not want to try them all.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is willing to learn new things. Creative students who really want to get involved in their school and meet new people. Ithaca is one of the more diverse schools that I've seen and they are so open and caring about their students.

Kelsey from Jamison, PA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All of my classes have been hands on from day one. The professors really like to get students involved and create a good student-teacher bond. I have had professors who go out of their way to meet you (my professors have even come to meet me in the lounge in my dorm!) to help me out with a project or go over information for a test.
Am enjoying being here
The campus and the surrounding area is beautiful and the city of Ithaca is awesome (lots of cool restaurants and shopping to do.. if you have money which tends to be rare). Getting into town is sometimes tricky because the TCAT is never on time and breaks down a lot and Ithaca doesn't currently have a student shuttle into town (so you have to pay). On campus there isn't a whole lot to do on the weekends, other than the occasional After Dark event but even those do not provide much more than a half hour of entertainment.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is very pricey here and although the staff and facilities are very nice, it still seems a bit of a steep cost. However, financial aid is friendly and very helpful in finding out ways to cover tuition if your aid package comes back less than you expected.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved in your classes!! Professors love it if you talk in class and come to their office hours. Don't be afraid of appearing nerdy, the extra effort on your part will definitely help you down the road.
Great for these types of students
Well of course the communications and music schools are fantastic here but really I would recommend Ithaca to anyone who really wants to get involved in their school. Since IC is pretty small it really is more like a community than a huge city full of college kids.