Oneonta vs Cortland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland?

  SUNY Oneonta is known for its strong music, education, and business programs, and boasts a vibrant arts scene. SUNY Cortland, on the other hand, excels in physical education, exercise science, and education, with a strong emphasis on athletics and outdoor recreation. Oneonta has a more liberal arts focused feel, while Cortland leans towards applied sciences and professional programs.

• Which college is better for students interested in music or the arts?

  If you're passionate about music or the arts, SUNY Oneonta is generally considered the stronger choice. It has a well-regarded music program and a more prominent arts culture on campus.

• Which college is better for students interested in physical education or exercise science?

  SUNY Cortland is the clear leader in physical education, exercise science, and related fields. It has a long-standing reputation and excellent facilities for these programs.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  SUNY Oneonta has a reputation for being a more traditionally liberal arts college with a focus on arts and culture, creating a more relaxed and creative atmosphere. SUNY Cortland has a more athletic and spirited campus environment, with a strong emphasis on sports and outdoor activities. Both are located in smaller college towns, but the overall vibe differs.

• What are the typical class sizes at SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland?

  Both SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland strive to maintain reasonable class sizes. You can generally expect introductory courses to be larger, while upper-level courses will be smaller and more focused. Class sizes are generally comparable between the two institutions, with most classes having between 20-40 students.

• How do the costs of attending SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland compare?

  As SUNY schools, the tuition and fees at SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland are generally similar for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. Be sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, room, and board, and to explore financial aid options at both schools.

• What are the surrounding towns like?

  Both Oneonta and Cortland are located in smaller college towns. Oneonta has a slightly more developed downtown area with a variety of shops and restaurants catering to students. Cortland is also a college town, but it has a more close-knit community feel and is closer to outdoor recreational opportunities.

• What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available?

  Both SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to cater to diverse interests. SUNY Oneonta has a strong focus on arts and music clubs, while SUNY Cortland has a greater emphasis on sports clubs and outdoor recreation groups. Both schools also have active student government associations and Greek life.

• Which school is more competitive to get into?

  Historically, SUNY Cortland has been slightly more competitive to get into than SUNY Oneonta, but acceptance rates can fluctuate. Both schools consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), essays, and extracurricular activities in their admissions process. Check each school's website for the most recent admissions statistics.

• What are the career services like at each college?

  Both SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Cortland offer career services to help students with internships, job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. The specific resources and programs may vary, so it's worth exploring the career services websites of both schools to see which aligns better with your career goals. Cortland's career services are particularly strong in fields related to education and physical education, while Oneonta's are well-regarded for business and liberal arts careers.