Overview
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From Cooper Union
The Cooper Union was founded in 1859 in the East Village of Manhattan by inventor, industrialist, and social reformer, Peter Cooper. The Cooper Union is a top-ranked, all-honors college committed to making education fair and accessible to all. Every admitted undergraduate student is granted a half-tuition scholarship as well as need-based aid.
Comprised of three schools specializing in architecture, art, and engineering, The Cooper Union offers small, intimate classes organized around a culture of collaboration led by a faculty of teachers who are also leading practitioners in their fields. Throughout its history, Cooper has been a place where thinkers, builders, artists, activists, and dreamers have thrived and contributed to New York City and the world in large and small ways—being of this world and for this world.
Every admitted undergraduate student is granted a half-tuition scholarship valued
at $22,275 per year and need- and merit-based aid if eligible.
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Cooper in 60 Seconds
Hear about Cooper from the student's perspective.
Why Cooper
Please visit the admissions homepage to learn more about our programs, offerings, and our community.
Technical College
City
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From Cooper Union
Honoring Peter Cooper’s belief that education should be accessible to all, our mission is to ensure that no student is deterred from attending The Cooper Union based on their financial circumstances.
-We meet 100% of demonstrated and determined financial need
-Every admitted undergraduate student receives a half-tuition scholarship valued at $22,275 per year, as well as need- and merit-based aid if eligible
-Our plan is to be 100% tuition-free by the 2028-2029 academic year
-For the seventh consecutive year, we are not raising undergraduate tuition
-2024 – 2025 academic year aid for undergraduate students includes:
-100% tuition covered by scholarship or grant aid for 55% of students
-89% of tuition is the average scholarship amount or grant aid received
-100% of students receive a minimum of 50% scholarship or grant aid
-27% of our students are Pell Grant recipients
Scholarships at Cooper
From Cooper Union
The Cooper Union was founded on the principle of providing access to higher education regardless of race, creed, gender, or financial means. Tuition assistance has been integral to the make-up of the institution since it began over 150 years ago. The Cooper Union’s office of financial aid helps students and their families understand the financial requirements of a Cooper Union education and explore options and funding to meet educational expenses. We assist with all aspects of the financial aid application process and help individuals and families financially plan their academic careers at the institution.
Every enrolled undergraduate student is awarded a half-tuition scholarship valued at $22,275 per school year.
$70,442
$55,862
$14,580
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$70,442The sticker price at Cooper Union is $70,442. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Cooper Union would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is 002710.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
What percent of students at Cooper Union receive merit-based financial aid?
10% of students at Cooper Union receive merit-based financial aid. Students with test scores and/or GPAs near the top of the admitted range are more likely to qualify for this type of aid.
Using State Grants at Cooper Union
If you are a New York State resident considering Cooper Union, be sure to investigate the TAP program. If you are attending a qualifying program and meet financial need requirements, you may receive thousands of dollars per year to put towards your education. Additionally, if you apply to a CUNY or SUNY school, you could be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which would make your education tuition-free.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more New York scholarshipsPell Grants at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
26% of students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Cooper Union. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Cooper Union, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://cooper.edu/students/financial-aid
- Email: [email protected]
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Cooper Union
Standardized Test Policy
Cooper Union is test-optional for the School of Architecture and the School of Art, but requires applicants to submit standardized tests for the School of Engineering.
Undergraduate Application Deadlines
Early Decision
-Albert Nerken School of Engineering: November 1
-Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture: December 1
-School of Art: December 1
Regular Decision
-All three schools: January 5
Graduate School Application Deadlines
-Master of Science in Architecture: January 5
-Master of Engineering: January 15
The Cooper Union uses the Common App for first-year undergraduate applicants. All transfer and graduate applicants apply through the Cooper Application.
13%
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver at Cooper Union?
From Cooper Union
In the Common App, an applicant can request a fee waiver. The request is sent to their school counselor, and if the counselor grants the waiver, the applicant will receive a fee waiver for any applications submitted through the Common App.
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Cooper Union?
Students must apply by January 5 to enroll at Cooper Union during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
Is The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art need-blind?
Yes, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
81%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Engineering
53%
53% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
36%
36% of graduates
Architecture
11%
11% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
892
Pell Grant 28%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%
Ethnic Diversity at Cooper Union
31% Asian / Pacific Islander
28% White
13% International / Non-Citizen
12% Hispanic
5% Black
5% Unknown
5% Multiracial
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Cooper Union
The Center for Career Development at Cooper Union empowers students to pursue their personal, educational, and professional goals beyond the academic curriculum. Our mission is to cultivate students’ self-direction through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and programs tailored to each academic school. We support students in developing a holistic understanding of their relationship to work, and empower them with the skills to navigate the ever-changing world of work and pursue their dreams.
Graduate Income
$83,847
Median Debt $15,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $159
Graduation Rate 81%
What is the graduation rate at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
81% of students who start at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 23% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is $83,847. This is $33,456 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Cooper Union take out in loans?
Graduates of Cooper Union take out a median of $15,000 in federal student loans. This is $1,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art