The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
A good fit for competitive applicants and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,600 within 10 years; strong 81% graduation rate.
About This School
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 842 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 21% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $13,269 per year. The graduation rate is 81%, and the typical graduate earns $68,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, commonly known as Cooper Union, is a private college on Cooper Square in Manhattan, New York City. Peter Cooper founded the institution in 1859 after learning about the government-supported École Polytechnique in France. The school was built on a radical new model of American higher education based on Cooper's belief that an education "equal to the best technology schools established" should be accessible to those who qualify, independent of their race, religion, sex, wealth or social status, and should be "open and free to all".
This is a strong option for highly motivated students committed to art, architecture, or engineering — with an average net price of just $16,478/year and median debt of only $12,375 at graduation, it delivers an elite New York City education at a fraction of what comparable schools cost. The 91% freshman retention rate signals that students who get in tend to stay and thrive, and the selective 19% acceptance rate means your classmates are serious about their craft. The one thing to weigh: median earnings of $68,600 at the 10-year mark are solid but not exceptional for a competitive technical and arts institution, so come in with clear career goals rather than assuming the degree alone opens doors.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (842 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
7 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10003-7120
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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