Any advice on colleges in Ithaca, NY?

So, I'm currently a junior in Ithaca, NY and I was considering going to college in the same area. Does anyone have any advice on local colleges, or experience studying around Ithaca? I'm especially interested in Engineering. Thanks!

There are two primary higher education institutions in Ithaca, NY — Cornell University and Ithaca College.

Cornell University is an Ivy League institution known internationally for its academic rigor and broad array of programs. If you're interested in Engineering, you're in luck, because Cornell is very well known for its Engineering program. The College of Engineering specifically has a number of departments spanning various engineering fields such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering among others, giving you plenty of room to explore within the field. Cornell University also has fantastic resources, professors, and overall employment outcomes for their graduates.

Then there's Ithaca College. While they don't have a dedicated engineering program, they do offer a Physics BA, BS, and a Physics-Engineering combined degree program — a 3-2 dual degree arrangement with Columbia University or Dartmouth College. In the 3-2 program, you would spend the first three years at Ithaca College, then transfer to either Columbia or Dartmouth for two years. At the end, you would receive a Degree in Physics from Ithaca College and a Degree in Engineering from whichever institution you choose to transfer to.

Ithaca College has smaller class sizes compared to Cornell and has a more hands-on approach to learning which many students enjoy.

Finally, being local to the area, do make the effort to visit these schools if you haven't already. These schools have different vibes and can lead to different student experiences, so gauging which environment you prefer could be significantly beneficial.

Regardless of your choice, the beautiful surroundings, vibrant city life, and wonderful people are all part of the charm of going to school in Ithaca. Good luck with your college search!