Elmira College is a private, coeducational, Phi Beta Kappa college located in Elmira, New York.
Founded in 1855, Elmira was the first college for women with a course of study equal in rigor to the best men's colleges. "Female seminaries" as they were called at the time, were essentially glorified high schools. In contrast, from its very inception, Elmira College offered rigorous academic programs.
Coeducational since 1969, Elmira has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 800 full-time, mostly residential students today. The College also offers advanced certificates, master degree programs, and non-credit courses for professional development.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Jessica Brown
Visit Experience Coordinator
Visit Experience Coordinator
Address
Office of Admissions
One Park Place
Elmira, NY 14901
One Park Place
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone
607-735-1724
Email
admissions@elmira.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Starbucks at the 1855 Room
Cowles Hall
Gibson Theater
Learning Commons at the Gannett-Tripp Library
The Puddle
Cowles Hall
Gibson Theater
Learning Commons at the Gannett-Tripp Library
The Puddle
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Corning (Market St/Museum of Glass)
Watkins Glen
First Arena
Harris Hill
Soaring Museum
Watkins Glen
First Arena
Harris Hill
Soaring Museum
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday; Saturday
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - Noon
607-735-1724
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - Noon
607-735-1724
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: M-F 9:30am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm; Sat 10:30 am
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: M-F 9:30am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm; Sat 10:30 am
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Not Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@elmira.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
Only available during special events (open house/admitted student days)
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Taxis, buses, and the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, Lyft, and Uber
Driving Instructions to Campus
Exit 52B from I-86/NY 17 East or West. Head South on NY 14 until it becomes College Avenue. Stay straight on College Avenue directly to campus (Do not follow NY when it turns left at Woodlawn Avenue).
Local Accommodations
All listed below are within 25 miles of campus:
Holiday Inn Express-Elmira Horseheads
Holiday Inn Riverview
Econo Lodge
Hilton Garden Inn
Hampton Inn-Elmira/Horseheads
Country Inn & Suites
Candlewood Suites Horseheads-Elmira
Fairfield Inn & Suites-Elmira Corning
Courtyard Marriott Elmira Horseheads
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
The College offers two admission plans for freshman applicants: Early Action and Regular (Rolling) Admission.
International students may apply only under the Regular Admission program.
Early Action
The Early Action deadline is November 1 and students will receive a decision by November 15.
Regular (Rolling) Admission
Students who self-select or who apply to the College after November 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The College will begin to notify applicants of our decisions in early December. Students typically receive their admission decision within four weeks of the date their application file completes.
How to apply to Elmira College:
- Submit an Application for Admission. We accept the online Common Application or the EC Online Application.
- Submit an official transcript, including senior year courses and grades to date.
- Submit one academic letter of recommendation completed by a teacher or school counselor.
- Send SAT and/or ACT scores to Elmira College (if applicable). As a test-optional institution we do not require the SAT or ACT for admission.
Overview
Applicants: 2,097
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Average HS GPA: 3.41
GPA Breakdown
14%
4.0
18%
3.75 - 3.99
16%
3.50 - 3.74
17%
3.25 - 3.49
17%
3.00 - 3.24
12%
2.50 - 2.99
6%
2.00 - 2.49
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreTest Scores
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Early Action — November 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Non-Academic
Character / Personal Qualities
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Majors and Degrees Offered
Accounting
American Studies
Art
Biochemistry
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Classical Studies
Clinical Laboratory Science
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Criminal Justice
Economics
Education
Educational Studies
English Literature
Environmental Science
Finance
History
Human Services
Individualized Studies
International Studies
Legal Studies
Mathematics
Music
Nursing
Philosophy and Religion
Political Science
Pre-Health
Pre-Law
Psychology
Social Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Theatre
Undeclared
Women's Studies
Undeclared
Women's Studies
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
9:1
Total Faculty
98
with Terminal Degree
48
61
Women
37
Men
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
56%
Graduate in 6 years
56%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting and Finance.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
Human Resources Development.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Education, General.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
-
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Legal Studies, General.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Human Services, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Social Sciences, Other.
Sociology and Anthropology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Situated in upstate New York, Elmira College was established in 1855 and has long brought its approximately 60*0 undergraduates a solid liberal arts education grounded in critical thinking and reading. Class sizes are low, "so you are guaranteed a shot at success and a connection with your professors." Terms are also shorter, with the academic year broken up into two twelve-week terms, followed by a third six-week term of special, immersive classes. Not only does this structure give students the opportunity to study abroad-about 40 percent of students choose to do so-but it keeps courses "rigorous and challenging because...the shortened amount of time requires each class to be fast-paced and stimulating."
Those challenges are easily faced, as Elmira professors "are dead-set on providing their students with quality information" and are "engaged and willing to help any student with anything." And thanks to the faculty's different perspectives and backgrounds, "students really do experience a wide span of different people with different ideas and passions." This occurs in the classroom as well: though most classes are in lecture format, professors "make an effort to provide us with interactive activities, videos, and hands-on activities." Many also "use alternative assessments, such as a radio broadcast, creative writing, a debate, or a project of choice for a final," and are often "willing to offer independent and directed study courses if students are looking for different classes to take that are not offered."
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Alair Townsend '62
Former Deputy Mayor of New York City
Susan Douglas '72
Author and Educator
Keith MacKechnie '77
Actor
Krista Hershey Wells '94
Author
Sheila Williams '78
Editor
-Diane Lockard '65
Poet
Robert "Chip" Coffey '76
(paranormal psychic, author, TV)
Academic Rating
79/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
52%
Graduate in 5 years
56%
Graduate in 6 years
56%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Tuition: $33,900
Comprehensive Fees: $1,500
Standard Room and Board Plan: $12,500
Financial Aid
Elmira College offers merit-based as well as need-based, financial aid. For a full list of grants and scholarships offered by EC please visit https://www.elmira.edu/admissions-aid/Tuition_Aid/Scholarships_and_Aid/index.html
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Dec 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
State Aid
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$29,640
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$26,559
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,011
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
83%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$26,856
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$29,640
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$37,932
Required Fees
$1,780
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$600
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$300
On-Campus Room and Board
$14,460
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
86/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
More than 800 students, from 23 states and nine foreign countries.
More than 70 student clubs and organizations and 19 NCAA Division III athletic teams.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
583
Foreign Countries Represented
12
Demographics
1.63%
Asian
3.59%
Black
5.87%
Hispanic
71.45%
Caucasian
6.04%
Unknown
7.34%
International
66% female
34% male
33% are out of state
96% are full time
4% are part time
Students Say
Here you'll find a "generous and welcoming" group that "makes the college community a comfortable place to be." Elmira "is its own little bubble" and the "mostly white" student body is "similar to that of a small-town high school" in terms of a social breakdown, with athletes, "NARPs (non-athletic regular people)," and "thought-leader" students all involved in many extracurricular activities. A big part of that comes in the form of intercollegiate athletics, with around one-third of the student body devoting "a huge part of [their] days" to practice and games. That's met with school spirit that pervades even outside of sports: "Elmira College may be small, but we are very proud of our college." One student says, "Just walking through campus you can sense the traditions and how the college values its students."
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Elmira, NY, Suburban, 55 Acres, Approximately 800 students.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Small college does not have to mean small on opportunities. Here at Elmira College we offer students curricular and co-curricular opportunities that rival much larger schools, and our undergraduates use them day in and day out. From our domed athletics facilities which allow year-round student use, to top of the line research equipment, to a Medical School being built on campus, our students have opportunities at every turn.
The Center for Mark Twain Studies is perhaps the most unique program at Elmira College. It's a world class research center, befitting its namesake. Established in 1983, The Center for Mark Twain Studies awards internationally-renowned Twain scholars Quarry Farm fellowships and hosts "The Trouble Begins" lecture series.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) has received approval from the Council on Osteopathic College Accreditation to increase class size and offer courses at a new facility on the campus of Elmira College. It is anticipated that the first Elmira-based medical students will start in late July 2020.
Elmira College students already enjoy reserved, early acceptance spots at LECOM sites for EC students who meet the LECOM acceptance requirements. The addition of LECOM at Elmira College will expand the number of reserved medical spots for EC students to 25, the number of reserved pharmacy spots to 20 and the number of reserved dentistry spots to 5.
Labs and research:
Facilities at Elmira College for studying biochemistry include laboratories for research, instrumentation, and teaching. Of particular utility to biochemistry students are instruments for amplifying and manipulating DNA, a DNA sequencer, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, a gel imager, and a plate-reader that can analyze various types of information on small samples.
Facilities at Elmira College for studying chemistry include laboratories for research, radioisotope, instrumentation, and teaching. In addition to the standard laboratory equipment, major instruments available to students are: nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic absorption, ultraviolet-visible, infrared, and fluorescent spectrophotometers; gas chromatography; mass spectrometry; ultra-centrifuge; as well as computer and data stations.
Students who study Speech and Language at Elmira College also have access to a brand new Audiometer, courtesy of the students of the Class of 2019 who funded its purchase as their class gift.
Dunn Field
Dunn Field is now one of the oldest stadiums in college baseball. Formerly home to the Elmira Pioneers, a minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, Dunn Field now hosts the Perfect Game Collegiate League edition of the Elmira Pioneers during the summer months. The 4,020 capacity stadium has been home to several baseball greats including Hall of Famers Earl Weaver and Wade Boggs, legendary manager Lou Piniella, along with Davey Johnson, Don Zimmer, and two-time World Series Champion, Curt Schilling.
MAC
Elmira College also has an off-campus athletic complex, the Murray Athletic Center. Comprised of three geodesic domes, the MAC is the premier location for all other sports EC offers. The Murray Athletic Center has six squash courts, a media room, and a smart classroom used by our athletic teams for film sessions. The world's first geodesic dome athletic complex, the Murray Athletic Center, is nearly unique among athletic facilities in the Northeast. Located fifteen minutes from the main campus, it features a 3,200 seat hockey arena, a 2,000-seat gymnasium, a 38,000 square-foot field house with four indoor tennis courts, six squash courts and two playing fields.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Hiking, Skiing, Boating, Shopping, Theater, Dining
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
83%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
79/99
First-Year Students living on campus
94%
Campus Environment
Suburban
88/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
Elmira is truly a "picturesque college campus" where "the ground is cobblestone with octagon-shaped bricks" and "the buildings are beautiful...and in a Gothic revival style." As one student describes, "It has an air of elegance and beauty founded on tradition while being fun and quirky as well." That fun is evident since students at Elmira "always find something to do, whether on campus or off," and given the small size of the campus, "everyone is encouraged to cultivate their interests and be as involved and outgoing as possible." This means that while most students eat in the dining halls, some "may drive to nearby Horseheads to go shopping at local stores and eat at name-brand restaurants" or visit nearby Corning and Ithaca on weekends. On this communal campus, students can often be found "in the lounges of the dorms by the fire [telling] stories" and "campus events are brought in regularly" by the college. There is "a good variety in the social scene, so students can partake in what they like best," and "some students hang out and watch movies [while] some students party."
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Accessibility Services
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Michaela Johnson
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
50
Number of Honor Societies
18
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
1
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
45% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Soaring Eagles)
7 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Volleyball
Basketball
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Sports (Soaring Eagles)
8 Sports
Basketball
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Army ROTC Offered on-campus, at cooperating institutions: Cornell University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Cornell University
Army ROTC Offered on-campus, at cooperating institutions: Cornell University
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Cornell University
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Apple, Dell
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Yes
Mental Health Website
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Yes
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
No
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Yes
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Students required to participate
Incoming transfer students
Students required to participate
Returning students
Services offered
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
No plans for such offerings
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
No plans for such offerings
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Yes
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
No
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Yes
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
10 months
