Ithaca College, as a D3 school, does not award athletic scholarships.
I know someone that committed to IC early for softball, I think as a junior. Not a close friend, maybe they gave her merit aid. I know other students that got good merit scholarships.
Why do you feel you need to apply anywhere ED?
Apply to both of these, and see what the results are.
I never said I needed to apply ED, I am planning on applying to both.
@studentof21 - The note at the end of your original post that reads “Edited title for more info ED” is what confused me.
But frankly, since you are currently planning to apply to both, your A vs. B question is moot. The time for that question is after you have both acceptances in hand and know what your costs are going to be.
Not to mention of course that a lot of things are going to change in your life and in college education in general over the course of the next year. A year from now, you might find that neither of these two options make any sense at all for you.
Apply to both of these, and see what the results are.
How much of a difference in cost between the two colleges? In general its not a good idea to take on a lot of debt for undergrad.
Note that getting to Ithaca is not that easy. Its about a 6 hour drive from Northern VA to Ithaca. There are some flights (United, American, Delta) but most of those have been severely reduced due to COVID19. There are buses going to NY Penn Station, from there you could catch another bus or train to DC. Doing a 6-8 hour one-way trip a dozen times during the school year will get old quickly.
Yeah I was confused when it said edited title for ED as well. Anyways, thank you for your advice, I do realize that a lot could change in a year. Thanks!
I know Ithaca isn’t the closest, but I read there are some positives. I think I read freshmen are allowed to have cars on campus which could help. I also don’t mind the travel if it’s only a few times a year.
Two points and one question.
- Ithaca is a GREAT college town. (My opinion.) But with lousy weather during most of the college year. Really more of a small city. Population = 30,000, but with college students closer to 50,000.
- Ithaca is a LONG way from NYC - 200 miles and a 4-5 hour drive without traffic.
Question: if part of its attraction is access to internships in NYC, why not pick a similar college with a good business school in or near NYC, which would have better access to NY internships. Manhattan College (not in Manhattan), Marist, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, and Rider all come to mind.
Ok I understand. The drive through the Adirondack mountains in the fall is absolutely breathtaking. Some of the most vibrant colors I’ve seen anywhere. You’re definitely in for a treat for nice scenery on the road.
Tongue in cheek?
I agree that a drive through the Adirondacks is breathtaking, but Ithaca is more than 120 miles and 2+ hours from the nearest entrance to the Adirondack Park. And the OP is coming from the opposite direction.
Are you a junior?
Then, apply EA to both after running the NPC.
Bill Marsh
Good question, I am potentially looking to play a sport at these schools and I am just asking about the academic side.
Yes I made a mistake. Adirondacks are on the other side of NY. But nonetheless, there is undoubtedly a beautiful array of fall foliage when driving into Ithaca.
And the area where Ithaca is located is beautiful. 
But… this student hasn’t been admitted yet!
No doubt.
Got it.