The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

22.5%Acceptance

$46,820Tuition

891Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$83,847Earnings

#14 in New YorkPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Cooper Union operates as one of America's most unusual educational experiments, offering tuition-free education in art, architecture, and engineering. The school enrolls just 891 students in Manhattan's East Village. Famous graduates include architect Daniel Libeskind and graphic designer Milton Glaser, who created the iconic "I ♥ NY" logo. Getting in requires strong talent, only 22.47% of applicants are accepted. The three schools focus intensively on hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.

The financial picture tells Cooper Union's most compelling story. While tuition lists at $46,820, the average student pays just $16,478 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $8,188 annually. Graduates earn a median of $83,847 ten years after graduation, with typical debt of just $15,000. Monthly loan payments average $159, making this education remarkably affordable for the career outcomes it delivers.

The student body reflects the school's demanding standards and New York location. Asian students make up 31.54% of enrollment, with 27.95% white students. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships. Housing capacity serves only 170 students, so most live off-campus in one of the world's most expensive cities. The 91.28% retention rate suggests students thrive despite the academic intensity.

Academics & Faculty

Cooper Union built its reputation on three pillars: art, architecture, and engineering. The school accepts just 22.47% of applicants into these highly specialized programs. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 ratio that enables intensive mentorship in studio work and technical projects. The architecture program produces graduates who reshape skylines worldwide. Engineering students dive deep into mechanical, electrical, and chemical disciplines. The art school trains fine artists and designers who influence visual culture. An 82.02% four-year graduation rate reflects the focused nature of these programs. Students don't drift between majors here. They commit to rigorous professional training from day one.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 82.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.3%
Retention Rate: 91.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $83,847
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

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Astronomy and Astrophysics.	Bachelor	$43,798

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Campus Life

Cooper Union's 891 students navigate the bustling East Village of Manhattan, where the historic brownstone campus sits just blocks from Washington Square Park. Only 19% of students live in the residence hall due to limited housing capacity of 170, so most commute from apartments across the five boroughs or nearby areas. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know every name.

Winters demand heavy coats as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers bring sweltering subway rides. The campus lacks traditional college amenities like sprawling quads or dining halls. Instead, students grab coffee at nearby cafes or eat lunch in Tompkins Square Park. Weekend life revolves around the city rather than campus events. Art students frequent galleries in Chelsea, engineering majors might catch a Broadway show, and architecture students explore iconic buildings throughout Manhattan. The school's location means internship opportunities at major firms are walking distance away. With 62% of students from New York State, many head home on weekends, creating a commuter school atmosphere despite the strong academics.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 170 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	0	0	0	2
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 29.8"

Student Demographics

Cooper Union draws serious students who scored an average 1460 on the SAT and face a brutal 22% acceptance rate. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, reflecting balanced enrollment across art, architecture, and engineering programs. About one-third of students are Asian American, while the remaining two-thirds represent diverse backgrounds including significant Hispanic and Black representation. Most students come from New York, showing the school's strong local reputation among families who know about this hidden gem. The high Pell Grant rate demonstrates Cooper Union's mission to serve talented students regardless of economic background.

Men: 49.4%
Women: 50.6%
White: 28.0%
Black: 6.5%
Hispanic: 12.7%
Asian: 31.5%
In-State Students: 61.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.9%

Location

Cooper Union sits in Manhattan's East Village, placing its 891 students in the heart of America's largest city. The campus occupies just a few blocks in one of New York's most active neighborhoods, surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and cultural venues that complement the school's focus on art, architecture, and engineering. Students have immediate access to strong museums, design studios, and internship opportunities that only Manhattan can offer. The urban setting means no traditional campus quad, but the city itself serves as an extended classroom. With 31.54% Asian students and strong diversity, the student body reflects New York's multicultural character. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Cooper Union with similar schools in the region.

Address: New York, New York 10003-7120

The Cooper Union's Foundation Building - North Side

Cooper Union from Miller's New York as it is

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $83,847
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,971
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $49,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 74.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?

Cooper Union accepts 22.47% of applicants, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. Students need exceptional credentials, with average SAT scores of 1460 and ACT scores of 33. The school's legendary reputation for tuition-free education drives intense competition among top STEM and art students.

How much does The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,478 despite a sticker price of $46,820 for tuition. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $38,125 to 25% of students. Cooper Union historically offered free tuition to all students until 2014, and still provides generous aid to make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?

Cooper Union maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 891 total students across three schools. This intimate setting allows for intensive studio work and hands-on engineering projects. The small size means students work closely with well-known faculty in art, architecture, and engineering.

What do graduates of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art earn?

Cooper Union graduates earn a median salary of $83,847 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's strong programs in high-paying fields. The 82% four-year graduation rate demonstrates academic rigor across art, architecture, and engineering. Alumni include famous artists like Milton Glaser and architects like Daniel Libeskind who have shaped their fields.

Does The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art have on-campus housing?

Cooper Union houses only 170 students on campus despite having 891 total enrollment. Most students live off-campus in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood where the school is located. The limited housing reflects the school's urban setting and small size, with room and board costing $18,650 for those who secure spots.

Is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art really tuition-free?

Cooper Union no longer offers completely free tuition as it did for over 150 years until 2014. However, 27.92% of students still receive Pell Grants and substantial aid brings costs down . The school maintains its founding mission of accessible education through generous financial aid, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $15,000.