Location & Setting Rural/small-town setting in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Ithaca is a scenic college town nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by natural landscapes, creating a distinctive and relatively isolated campus environment. Located approximately 4 hours from New York City, the location provides a serene academic atmosphere with limited immediate urban amenities.

Campus Life Large, diverse campus with robust residential life. Students can choose from numerous on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, program houses, and residential colleges. Active Greek life with over 60 fraternities and sororities. Strong emphasis on academic and extracurricular engagement, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and cultural groups. Weekend activities range from campus events to outdoor recreation and nearby hiking/natural attractions.

Student Body Highly diverse student population with strong national and international representation. Approximately 50% of students come from out of state, and about 20% are international students. Academically motivated, intellectually curious students with wide-ranging interests across sciences, humanities, engineering, and agriculture. Known for attracting high-achieving students with interdisciplinary passions.

Academics Extremely rigorous academic environment with world-renowned programs across multiple colleges. Particularly distinguished in agriculture, engineering, hotel administration, and liberal arts. Offers over 100 fields of study with exceptional research opportunities and notable strengths in agriculture, technology, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Ivy League academic intensity with a collaborative learning environment.

Athletics & Sports Competitive Division I athletics as part of the Ivy League. Strong traditions in hockey, wrestling, and rowing. Robust intramural and club sports programs provide extensive athletic opportunities beyond varsity competition. Notable school spirit, particularly around hockey and football games.

Lifestyle & Weather Distinct four-season climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Campus is walkable, though having a car can be helpful for exploring the broader Ithaca area. Extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including gorges, waterfalls, hiking trails, and nearby Finger Lakes. Strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor engagement.