Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Ithaca, NY (2026)
Ithaca, New York has a population of about 31,792. The city’s median household income is $48,617 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 70.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ithaca. In New York, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist at a median $103,810 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Ithaca
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Ithaca city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 1.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | 36.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Le Moyne College | Syracuse, NY | 46.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| SUNY Morrisville | Morrisville, NY | 53.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Keystone College | La Plume, PA | 71.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all New York schools on the New York liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Ithaca
Ithaca is part of the Ithaca, NY metro area (BLS area code 27060). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to New York statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $63,860 | Ithaca, NY | $61,820 |
| Management Analyst | $79,720 | Ithaca, NY | $77,173 |
| Technical Writer | $82,980 | NY statewide | $80,329 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $103,810 | NY statewide | $100,494 |
| Editor | $98,620 | NY statewide | $95,470 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $62,670 | Ithaca, NY | $60,668 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $74,210 | Ithaca, NY | $71,839 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Ithaca at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,792 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,617 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 70.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 103.3 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Tompkins County | 179 workers, 30 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ithaca-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Cortland, NY – 19.7 mi away (26,907 pop)
- Elmira, NY – 28.8 mi away (65,104 pop)
- Auburn, NY – 34.0 mi away (31,263 pop)
- Geneva, NY – 37.9 mi away (29,371 pop)
- Binghamton, NY – 38.5 mi away (152,392 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Ithaca, NY?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ithaca. The closest is Cornell University in Ithaca, NY (1.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Keystone College (71.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Ithaca?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Ithaca are: News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist ($103,810), Editor ($98,620), Technical Writer ($82,980). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with New York statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Cortland instead of Ithaca?
Cortland, NY is 19.7 miles from Ithaca and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ithaca an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Ithaca’s median household income of $48,617 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ithaca while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and New York public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in New York
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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