The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
The Vibe Check
Cooper Union feels like an intense, creative pressure cooker in the heart of Manhattan. The atmosphere is fiercely collaborative yet demanding, where architecture studios and engineering labs buzz late into the night with a shared passion for making and building. It's a place for self-starters who thrive on rigorous critique and hands-on creation.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠ ️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Academics are notoriously rigorous, especially within the top-ranked Architecture and Engineering programs, with a core curriculum that demands high-level work from day one. Teaching quality is exceptional, featuring small class sizes and direct access to professors who are often leaders in their fields. Research and project opportunities are deeply integrated into the curriculum, emphasizing practical, hands-on application over theoretical study.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in New York
Life at Cooper means immersion in New York City; students have world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and concert venues right at their doorstep. For fun, students explore the eclectic East Village, catch indie shows in the Lower East Side, or find inspiration in the city's relentless creative energy. The campus itself serves as a central hub for collaboration, but the city is the extended classroom and playground.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($83,847):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the safe and vibrant East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The building itself is a secure, enclosed space with 24/7 access control, and the surrounding area is well-lit and heavily populated.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ No tuition model provides unparalleled access to a world-class education.
- ✓ Exceptional return on investment with high median earnings post-graduation.
- ✓ Intensely collaborative and creative environment in the heart of New York City.
- ✓ Renowned programs in engineering, architecture, and the visual arts.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely demanding workload and high-pressure academic culture.
- ✗ Very small enrollment means limited social scene and fewer campus clubs than larger universities.
- ✗ Acceptance is highly competitive, especially for the architecture and art programs.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooper Union is renowned for its highly selective and rigorous programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Art. It is most famous for its historic mission to provide a full-tuition scholarship to every admitted student, creating an unparalleled return on investment. The institution emphasizes a hands-on, project-based curriculum that challenges students to become innovative leaders and creators.
Yes, it is extremely difficult to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 19.05%. The average admitted student has an SAT score around 1480, reflecting a highly academically qualified applicant pool. Admissions are especially competitive for the Architecture and Art programs, which require a rigorous portfolio review in addition to strong academic credentials.
Campus life is defined by a small, tight-knit community of just 891 students who are all deeply passionate about their disciplines. The environment is intensely collaborative, with students spending long hours in studios and labs, but it fosters strong bonds. While the campus is a hub of activity, students also take full advantage of the vibrant East Village and the broader New York City cultural scene for social life and recreation.
Absolutely. While the tuition is $46,820, the average net price for students after grants and scholarships is only $16,478. The 10-year median earnings for graduates are $83,847, indicating strong earning potential that far outweighs the cost. The combination of a prestigious degree, a powerful alumni network, and the school's unique financial model makes it one of the best investments in higher education.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1859
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 920
- In-State Tuition $46,820
- Zip Code 10003
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
While the sticker price is high, Cooper's unique model significantly reduces the net cost for many students, with an average net price of $16,478 that is far below the tuition. The 10-year median earnings of $83,847, combined with a strong alumni network in high-paying fields like engineering and architecture, suggests an excellent return on investment. For students who graduate, the combination of a world-class education and a manageable debt load makes it a financially sound choice.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.