Cooper Union

New York, NY

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art holds a unique position in American higher education as an institution devoted to exceptional education in architecture, art, and engineering. Located in Manhattan's East Village, Cooper Union serves approximately 900 undergraduate and graduate students through programs demanding extraordinary talent and commitment. The college has historically provided transformative education to students who might otherwise lack access to elite institutions, though its distinctive tuition model has evolved in recent years. Founded in 1859 by inventor and industrialist Peter Cooper, the institution reflected his belief that education should be "as free as air and water." For over 150 years, Cooper Union admitted students based solely on merit and charged no tuition. While financial pressures led to introducing tuition in 2014, the college has committed to returning to full scholarships, with substantial aid already dramatically reducing costs for most students. Cooper Union's academic programs are intensely demanding, admitting only the most talented and committed students. Each school—architecture, art, and engineering—maintains rigorous standards and distinctive cultures that produce graduates who become leaders in their fields. The small enrollment ensures individualized attention and access to exceptional faculty. The East Village location places students in one of New York's most creative and dynamic neighborhoods. The cultural resources, professional opportunities, and urban energy of Manhattan enrich education while preparing students for careers at the forefront of their fields. Cooper Union produces architects, artists, and engineers who shape the built environment and visual culture.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

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Student Life & Environment

Life at Cooper Union revolves around the work. Studios, labs, and workshops fill with students at all hours, creating communities organized around shared projects and deadlines. The small student body means everyone knows everyone else, at least by sight and often by name. This intimacy creates both support networks and pressures, as there's no anonymity in which to hide mediocre effort. The New Residence Hall provides housing for students who want to live on campus, though many students commute from around the New York area. The building's architecture demonstrates Cooper Union's commitment to design, with its distinctive steel facade making an architectural statement on Third Avenue. Common spaces bring students from different programs together, creating conversations across disciplinary boundaries that influence everyone's work. Student organizations reflect the creative and technical orientations of the student body. Engineering clubs build robots and compete in design challenges. Art students organize exhibitions and critique sessions. Architecture students host lectures and debates about urban design. The shared rigor across programs creates mutual respect even when students don't fully understand each other's fields. Late nights in studio become bonding experiences that create lifelong friendships.

Location & Surroundings

The East Village location places Cooper Union in one of New York's most historically significant creative neighborhoods. Artists, musicians, and writers have called these streets home for decades, creating a cultural legacy that still shapes the area's character despite ongoing gentrification. Students walking to class pass venues where punk rock was invented, galleries showing experimental work, and restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. Cooper Square, where the main building sits, offers front-row seats to urban life that constantly provides material for creative work. Astor Place's crowds, the subway entrance's chaos, and the changing light on building facades all enter students' consciousness. Engineering students see infrastructure that keeps the city functioning. Architecture students observe how buildings interact with public space. Art students find subjects and inspiration in every direction. Manhattan's cultural resources extend far beyond the immediate neighborhood. The Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, the Whitney, and countless galleries provide art education that no classroom can match. Architectural landmarks from different eras demonstrate principles discussed in studio. Engineering marvels like the subway system, bridges, and skyscrapers become teaching tools. Living in New York costs money, but the education embedded in daily life proves impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Cooper Union provides significant financial aid that makes attendance possible for students from varied economic backgrounds. While the full-tuition model of the past has given way to partial tuition, scholarships still reduce costs substantially for most students. The institution remains committed to accessibility even as it navigates financial challenges that threatened its existence in recent years. Work-study opportunities and external scholarships help students manage remaining costs. Living in Manhattan represents the largest expense for most students. Housing costs strain budgets whether students live in the residence hall or seek apartments. Some students commute from more affordable areas in outer boroughs or New Jersey, trading time for money. Food, transportation, and basic supplies add up quickly in one of the world's most expensive cities. Students learn to find affordable options and budget carefully. Career outcomes reflect the intensity of Cooper Union's programs. Engineering graduates land positions at top technology companies, consulting firms, and research organizations. Their technical preparation and problem-solving abilities command respect from employers who may not recognize the school's name initially. Architecture graduates join firms ranging from small practices to international giants. Art graduates pursue careers as practicing artists, designers, and educators. The alumni network, though small, maintains strong connections that help new graduates find their footing.