Cazenovia College

Cazenovia College is a co-educational, baccalaureate college, located in the Central New York region of New York State, offering undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional studies. Embracing student success as its primary mission, Cazenovia College comprises a diverse yet close-knit residential community that fosters intellectual, social, and ethical growth. Our small class sizes, experiential and co-curricular learning opportunities and dedicated team of faculty and staff provide for an individualized educational experience that balances academic and student life.

Cazenovia College, named one of "America’s Best Colleges" and the #1 Best Value in the North by U.S. News & World Report, was also named a MONEY Best College. Founded in 1824, Cazenovia College is the eighth oldest private, independent college in New York State and the 28th oldest independent college/university in the United States.

Cazenovia College cultivates student growth and creativity through engagement with an involved faculty and staff who provide a supportive, personalized learning environment. Cazenovia’s distinct blend of liberal arts and professional studies encourages individualized academic programs enhanced by internships and applied learning activities, creating the environment for both traditional and adult learners to achieve their unique educational and career goals.

Cazenovia College provides students with the knowledge, skills and support needed to ensure their future success.

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment collects and maintains data necessary to support compliance reporting, assessment, and planning at Cazenovia College. Institutional research is an ongoing and collaborative process involving many departments and campus constituents. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment also provides data and information for benchmarking purposes. A variety of descriptive information about the College is provided by the Office for use by our many constituents and the general public.

Students at Cazenovia College become educated, involved, and productive citizens, well-prepared to act as leaders in the global community. Through the general education curriculum, professionally-oriented and liberal arts curricula; experiential, co- and extra-curricular programs; and residential life experiences, they experience intellectual, social and ethical growth, developing the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the classroom, the workplace, and the community.

Students at Cazenovia College are encouraged to expand their college experience by taking advantage of international study opportunities. Our current study abroad opportunities include both full-semester study in England and Japan, as well as shorter duration travel during semester breaks. Students are able to earn course credit while traveling. Additionally, you can choose to use your financial aid to cover the cost of this unique opportunity.

Utilize our full range of career services available to students and alumni. We plan services and programming based on a developmental model that supports a natural progression that most students experience.We are here to assist you throughout your career development process.

Most degree-seeking Cazenovia College students are required to complete at least one credit-bearing internship as a graduation requirement. Students intern locally, nationally, and internationally. An internship is your first step toward your professional career.

Cazenovia students are part of a diverse yet close-knit campus community that fosters intellectual, social and ethical growth. Our small size and distinct blend of liberal arts and professional studies allows for individualized academic programs that are enhanced by internships and applied learning activities. Our welcoming community will make you feel at home in our small, safe campus and in the nearby lakeside Village of Cazenovia.

Through The Cazenovia Commitment, accepted first year students will receive merit scholarships from $12,000 - $22,000 regardless of family income and residency. The Cazenovia Commitment also includes small class sizes, an internship, faculty and alumni mentors, and opportunities to study abroad.

Register for an open house or schedule a personal interview and campus visit to learn about Cazenovia College and gain the first-hand knowledge necessary to make the best college decision. Visiting provides an opportunity to tour campus facilities, meet with an Admissions/Financial Aid Counselor and talk with students, faculty and staff.

Cazenovia College traces its birth to 1824, when it was founded as the Seminary of the Genesee Conference, the second Methodist seminary to be established in the United States. It opened in what had been the Madison County Courthouse.

Although sponsored by the Methodists, the seminary was nonsectarian, and its trustees were a mixture of clergy and laymen. Financial support came not only from church members but also from forward-thinking local residents who recognized the seminary’s beneficial effect on employment, the general economy and the cultural life of the village. The community’s continuing interest in the seminary and the College cannot be overestimated.

The seminary was a pioneer in coeducation. From the beginning it welcomed both men and women who wanted to prepare for college or complete their education in Cazenovia. In two years there were 145 students.Rooms in the residential facilities were 11 feet square and cost students $1 per week. The buildings housed both men and women, but strong doors divided the two areas.

When the College received accreditation in 1961 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, it dropped the "Junior" and became Cazenovia College for Women. In 1982 the trustees voted to return to coeducation, aiming for one-third male enrollment. The College’s name was shortened. By 1983 there were men back on campus. In November 1988, the New York State Board of Regents awarded Cazenovia College the right to offer baccalaureate degrees.