At $16,478/yr net price, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates earn $83,847/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $49,847/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,478 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $83,847/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$49,847/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,188/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,563/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,057/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,674/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,201/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomy and Astrophysics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
The Risk Factor
80.3% of students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Cooper Union delivers strongly strong ROI despite its New York City location. Your net price of $16,478 combines with a median debt of just $15,000 to create one of the most affordable private college experiences in Manhattan, while graduates earn $83,847 within ten years.
The engineering and architecture programs drive these strong outcomes, positioning graduates for high-paying careers in industries where Cooper Union's reputation opens doors. However, the astronomy and astrophysics program shows concerning earnings at $43,798, well below the school's median and potentially problematic given New York's cost of living.
Your biggest financial risk is the extremely selective admissions process, which makes Cooper Union effectively inaccessible for most applicants. Only 27.92% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school attracts primarily high-income families who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
Cooper Union works best financially if you gain admission to engineering or architecture and can handle the academic rigor. The 91.28% retention rate indicates most students adapt successfully, but the demanding curriculum can derail unprepared students. Your investment pays off particularly well if you plan to work in New York's competitive tech, finance, or design markets where the school's alumni network provides advantages.
Skip Cooper Union if you're considering the astronomy program or lack strong math and science foundations. The school's narrow focus means limited options if you need to change majors, and transferring out of such a specialized institution can be difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art worth the cost?
Cooper Union offers strong value with a low net price of $16,478 and graduates earning $83,847 after 10 years. The school's historically free tuition model and low median debt of $15,000 make it financially attractive for engineering and art students.
What is the ROI for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates?
Cooper Union graduates see solid returns, especially in engineering fields where starting salaries often exceed $70,000. However, some programs like Astronomy show lower early-career earnings around $43,798, which may impact overall ROI calculations.
How much debt do The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art students graduate with?
Cooper Union students graduate with relatively low debt, with a median of just $15,000. This is significantly below the national average, largely due to the school's partial tuition scholarships for all admitted students.
Are The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art programs worth it financially?
Engineering and architecture programs at Cooper Union typically offer strong financial returns given the low cost and debt burden. Art programs may have more variable outcomes depending on career path, but the low debt load reduces financial risk.