The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

The Cooper Union is committed to making education accessible, awarding all undergraduate students a half-tuition scholarship currently valued at $22,275 per school year. Additional need-based financial aid is available to cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses, and limited merit scholarships are also offered. The school is working towards covering 100% of undergraduate tuition costs with scholarships by the 2029 fiscal year.

Admission to The Cooper Union is highly competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of 13%. The school looks for students who demonstrate visual thinking and strong academic records. The application process requires a home test to be submitted in addition to a portfolio requirement.

Cooper Union offers a rigorous and intimate academic environment with small class sizes and a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution fosters a culture of collaboration and provides students with academic freedom to create their own content. Professors are knowledgeable in their subject areas, and the caliber of art teachers is considered unbelievable.

Cooper Union graduates are well-prepared for their fields, with 90% of students feeling confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. The focused engineering program prepares students to be functioning members of the engineering community and workforce. Alumni have received prestigious accolades, and 40% continue to pursue top-ranked graduate programs.

The Cooper Union's campus culture is described as tight-knit, driven, and diverse, with a low-key social scene. Student life revolves around clubs, academic interests, and niche communities rather than traditional college partying. While the school has several sports teams, athletics are not a major focus due to a lack of on-campus facilities.

Cooper Union provides a safe campus environment with 24-hour emergency phone/alarm devices and security patrols. Electronically operated housing entrances are available, and security guards are present on campus. The school also offers a mobile campus emergency alert system.

Cooper Union is considered an all-honors college committed to making education fair and accessible. The institution offers a challenging, interactive curriculum with distinguished, creative faculty. Students develop independence and autonomy through major projects that offer them a great deal of academic freedom.

Cooper Union welcomes international students, who comprise 11-13% of the undergraduate student body. The institution provides visa support and access to cultural resources. Students from 46 countries are represented at the school, with the majority of international students coming from China, South Korea, and India.