The city of Cortland has been selected by Bestcolleges.com as one of “The Best College Towns in New York” — ranking near the top of the list at No. 5. 

The ranking lauds Cortland as one of the most student-friendly locales in the state. It highlights college towns with campuses generally within walking distance of housing and recreation and that are integral to their area’s culture and economy. 

Bestcolleges.com touts Cortland’s accessibility, where short walks and bike paths make travel easy. It also praises the variety of entertainment in the area — from picking blueberries at Cherry Knoll Farm to live shows at Cortland Repertory Theatre to the cold weather options at Greek Peak. 

Recreational and educational extras throughout the Central New York region allow the campus to elevate the student experience in ways the university could not do on its own. SUNY Cortland, meanwhile, is part of the city’s economic foundation and brings student volunteers, interns and student teachers into the community. 

“What makes SUNY Cortland a special place, beyond its students, faculty and staff, is the city in which it is located,” said President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “We are fortunate to live, work and study in a safe environment with wonderful neighbors. Cortland’s combination of cultural, social and natural attractions makes it a terrific place for our students to spend these formative years.” 

This isn’t the first time SUNY Cortland and the city have been recognized among the state or national elite. The university was found to be the safest campus in New York state in 2019 by Yourlocalsecurity.com. The website based its findings on data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security analysis and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Safewise.com also recognized Cortland in 2019, placing Cortland at No. 20 on its list of safest college towns in America — the only New York municipality that made the list. 

Learn more about Cortland and all the opportunities it offers on campus and in the surrounding area.