About Union College
The sticker price hits $84,345 per year, but most students pay much less. The average net price after aid is $36,000, though families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $15,257. Graduates do well financially, earning a median of $88,604 ten years after graduation. With median debt of only $25,337, most students can handle their monthly loan payments of $269 without major strain.
Union fields 22 varsity sports teams with 599 student athletes competing in Division III. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, and the 85.3% six-year graduation rate shows most students finish what they start. The trimester calendar gives you flexibility that traditional semesters cannot match.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 91.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.3%
- Retention Rate
- 88.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $88,604
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,812 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,392 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Physical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $39,585 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
Campus Life
The trimester system means you're taking just three classes at a time, but they move fast and go deep. Students often use the winter break (which runs from late November through early January) for internships or study abroad. With 599 athletes out of 2,070 students, about 29% play varsity sports, so games draw decent crowds on weekends. The small-town setting means most social life happens on campus - house parties, club events, and trips to nearby hiking spots in the Adirondacks. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate the social scene like at bigger schools.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,043 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
39 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–32°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 59.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 55.0%
- Women
- 45.0%
- White
- 66.1%
- Black
- 4.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.1%
- Asian
- 6.9%
- In-State Students
- 31.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.2%
Location
- Address
- Schenectady, New York 12308-2311
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $88,604
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $80,426
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 85.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $269/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,337
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Union College?
Union College accepts 46.51% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310-1490 on the SAT, reflecting the college's strong academic standards for this strong liberal arts institution.
How much does Union College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Union College is $36,000, lower than the full cost of attendance of $84,345. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $15,257, making this expensive private college more accessible through substantial financial aid.
What makes Union College's academic calendar unique?
Union College operates on a trimester system rather than traditional semesters, allowing students to take three 10-week terms per year. This distinctive calendar gives students flexibility for internships and study abroad, while maintaining the college's strong liberal arts foundation with notable engineering programs.
What are the career outcomes for Union College graduates?
Union College graduates earn a median salary of $88,604 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. With an employment rate of 95.1% and graduation rate of 85.3%, the college demonstrates strong career preparation and alumni network support.
Where is Union College located and what is campus life like?
Union College sits in Schenectady, New York, a small city setting with 2,070 students and housing capacity for 2,043. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment, while 22 varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division III as the Garnet Chargers.
Does Union College have notable alumni?
Union College counts U.S. President Chester A. Arthur among its most distinguished graduates, along with Lincoln's Secretary of State William H. Seward. Founded in 1891, the college has maintained its reputation for producing leaders in politics, business, and public service for over 130 years.
