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 gives you strong financial returns at a low price. You pay $16,478 a year on average, walk out with just $15,000 in median debt, and earn $83,847 ten years later. That debt figure is low enough that most graduate degrees would dwarf it, and your earnings comfortably clear what you borrowed. In an expensive New York market, that combination is hard to beat.
The one bachelor-level earnings figure available here is Astronomy and Astrophysics at $43,798, which sits far below the school-wide median of $83,847. If you study astronomy for the money, the math does not work. The overall median suggests Cooper Union's engineering, architecture, and art programs drive the strong number, but no program-level data confirms which ones, so treat the $83,847 as a whole-school outcome, not a guarantee for your major.
The main risk is your major. A school median in the low eighties can hide wide gaps between fields, and the astronomy line shows some paths pay far less. Pick a program with weak job prospects and you can land well below the median while still paying the same tuition.
The net price tiers reward lower and middle incomes. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $8,000 to $8,500 a year. Between $48,000 and $110,000, you pay roughly $12,000. Above $110,000, the price jumps to $31,201, nearly four times what the lowest bracket pays. If your family is in that top bracket, run the numbers against your intended field before committing.
Cooper Union fits you if you are targeting engineering or architecture and come from a modest income. It fits less well if you want a low-paying major and your family sits above $110,000.
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.