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SUNY College at Cortland

About

For over 150 years, SUNY Cortland has been known for preparing outstanding teachers and school leaders. It sets the standard for educator preparation and graduates more teachers than any other public university in New York state. But it’s more than just a place to earn your degree. It’s a vibrant community where you’ll grow, make friends and create lasting memories. With supportive faculty, a diverse student body, and a wide range of clubs and activities, you’ll find the perfect environment to learn, lead and follow your passions.

  • College or University
  • Cortland

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office

Recognized Excellence and Impact

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report (2025):

  • 17th Top Public University in the North
  • 49th overall for Regional Universities in the North

Leading in Teacher Preparation:

  • 20 undergraduate teacher education majors
  • 12 graduate teacher education programs
  • Number six in the nation for highest percentage of education majors (MSN)

Commitment to Sustainability:

  • Named one of the most sustainable campuses in the U.S. by The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges
  • In 2013, became the first SUNY campus to power all facilities with 100 percent renewable energy
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Programs

Bachelor’s & certification

Undergraduate Teacher Certification Programs

Start Checklist
  • From 48 to 96 months

    Program Duration

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program Info

At SUNY Cortland, the mission of teacher education is to help you build on a foundation of liberal learning and develop exceptional content knowledge and teaching skills.

When you graduate from SUNY Cortland’s teacher education programs, you’ll be ready to think critically, use technology effectively, communicate clearly, understand and value diversity, contribute to your community and make a real difference in your students’ lives.

With engaged students, dedicated faculty, top facilities and innovative programs like Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators, SUNY Cortland continues to be one of the nation’s leading institutions for future educators.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Nov. 01, 2025

    Spring
  • Nov. 15, 2025

    Fall
  • Mar. 01, 2026

    Fall
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Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $8,874

    In State Tuition

  • $18,984

    Out of State Tuition

  • $50

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at SUNY College at Cortland have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with SUNY College at Cortland to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Up to full tuition

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

SUNY Cortland awards more than $1 million in scholarships each year to over 1,000 students — funded by alumni, donors and campus supporters. Apply here

Endowed Scholarship Application Dates:

  • Current students: Nov. 15 – Feb. 1
  • New Fall 2025 students: Dec. 15 – March 1

Excelsior Scholarship: If your family earns $125,000 or less per year, the Excelsior Scholarship could help you attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Learn more

Varies

Student Loans

  • Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid: https://studentaid.gov/
  • New York residents: Complete FAFSA first, then apply for state funding opportunities like the Tuition Assistance Program and the Excelsior Scholarship.
  • First-time SUNY Cortland students can apply for New York State aid in late spring. More info

Varies

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

If you qualify, work-study jobs are a great way to earn money while you're in school. You’ll get paid in a paycheck based on the hours you work—it doesn't go directly toward your bill. Just submit the FAFSA to apply. 

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Biology (grades 7-12)
Chemistry (grades 7-12)
Childhood Education/Elementary Education (grades 1-6) / Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6)
Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 2) / Childhood Education/Elementary Education (grades 1-6)
Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 2) / Students with Disabilities (birth-grade 2)
Earth Science (grades 7-12)
English Language Arts (grades 7-12)
English to Speakers of other Languages (all grades)
Health Education (all grades)
Mathematics (grades 7-12)
Physical Education (all grades)
Physics / Mathematics (grades 7-12)
Physics 7-12
Social Studies (grades 7-12)
Spanish (grades 7-12)

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit SUNY College at Cortland's website to learn more and apply.