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Theory, Practice, Performance

These elements are the core of the Ithaca College experience—today and every day since our founding over 125 years ago.

Ithaca College began as a music conservatory in 1892, helping young musicians hone their talents into professional-caliber skills. In the decades since, IC has grown into a residential liberal arts college with five schools and over 100 degree programs. Our students gain knowledge and confidence through a continuous cycle of learning, trying, and doing—with access to professional labs, studios, equipment, and research opportunities.

As a mid-size, nationally-ranked college, IC offers students opportunities for personalized attention in every academic program and engagement in a wide variety of campus activities. Students join a welcoming community of 6,200 undergraduate and 470 graduate students that offers more than 200 student clubs and organizations.

The IC experience continues after graduation as alumni become part of a growing network of professionals—mentors and experts around the world who take active roles in helping students succeed.

At IC, our faculty and staff are dedicated to student education and growth. They bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to our campus and work to help advance their respective fields. Through research, projects, and involvement in their communities, they also continue to learn and develop as professionals and thought leaders.

Ithaca College sits on South Hill and overlooks the heart of Ithaca, a thriving city full of art, culture, and activity all surrounded by the natural beauty of New York's Finger Lakes region. In addition to the main campus, IC has satellite programs in New York City, Los Angeles, and London.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

At Ithaca, we strive to be an inclusive and welcoming community of people with diverse talents and backgrounds. A commitment to civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas makes us stronger.

Clubs and Activities

Find out how much more there is to experience with your peers outside the classroom, and develop skills that will help you throughout your personal and professional life after IC. Learn how to lead, immerse yourself in new cultural experiences, make a difference in the community, share your favorite forms of art and cuisine, or dive into adventure with friends.

The typical undergrad here is "genuine," "easygoing," "always busy," "well-dressed," and has a "sunny disposition despite the gray skies." Beyond those qualities, the population is "a wide mix of hipsters, jocks, theater kids, music students," and "crunchy granola hippies." Cliques are often based loosely on academics, but it's worth noting that "people of all kinds fit in here" and "everyone finds their niche," thanks in part to the way that "each school (music, communications, business, etc.) is its own community." Ethnic diversity and other kinds of diversity are "not entirely unheard of." However, people are "usually from the Northeast," and "the population of students that fit into the typical suburban, upper-middle-class family is definitely significant." Politically, "students at Ithaca tend to be liberal." Some students tell us that you'll find "a lot of people are environmentally and socially conscious" here who want "to change the world."

The number of extracurricular choices is "considerable" at Ithaca College. At the same time, "the school is small enough for anyone to get involved." There are "speakers and events offered on campus." There's also a nearly professional-quality college radio station. Many students "are part of an athletic team or participate in intramural athletics." For relaxation, students often "hang out on the quad," throwing Frisbees or "playing music on the lawns on tie-dye sheets." The social situation at Ithaca is "nothing like the party scene you'd find at a larger university," but "there are some good parties" now and then. While the campus is a little "isolated," students also frequently manage to attend frat parties at Cornell and generally "enjoy the social scene" the nearby Ivy offers. "The town of Ithaca is quaint but lively." There's "a good music scene and a lot of cool stores." When the weather is nice, "there's always some festival," or at least it seems that way. "If you're an outdoorsy person," the wooded and rocky surrounding area is a wonderland of activity. "The hiking here is unbelievable," and few other schools offer the opportunity to "go cliff jumping on a hot Saturday." On the negative side, winters are cold as a matter of course, and "the cold and rain do hinder activities." Students joke, be prepared to get your exercise walking between classes; "the hills here will kill you."