SUNY Cortland Welcomes Largest First-Year Class Ever – Student Retention Also Highest Ever

Last week, SUNY Cortland President Erik Bitterbaum welcomed both faculty and students during his Fall Opening Meeting. Bitterbaum spoke on the importance of SUNY Cortland’s culture of belonging and highlighted excellence from both students and faculty.

“Belonging taps into our deepest, fundamental needs — of wanting to connect to something bigger than ourselves,” Bitterbaum said. “We want to know that what we do matters. We want to be seen and heard. It is true for the faculty and staff, but especially true for our students.”

President Bitterbaum also noted in his welcoming speech that SUNY Cortland welcomed its largest ever first-year class of 1,422 new students. The school also welcomed 438 transfers from other colleges and universities.

The good news continued for enrollment at the school with a record first-year retention rate of 81% reported by SUNY Cortland. Bitterbaum noted the importance of classroom engagement, mental health services and various opportunities offered by the school for students.

SUNY Cortland is also continuing its work on updating the facilities with both Van Hoesen and Cornish Halls currently being renovated as part of a $27 million dollar upgrade. Work is expected to be completed by January 2026. The school has also recently completed an intersection safety improvement project at Broadway and Neubig Road, and the addition of study rooms at the Memorial Library.