Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Union College logo

Union College

Schenectady, NY·Private nonprofit·2,070 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $80,200 within 10 years; strong 85% graduation rate.

44%
Accept
2,070
Students
$36,000
Net Price
85%
Grad Rate
$80,200
Earnings
10 yr
$21,085
Debt

About This School

Union College is a private nonprofit institution located in Schenectady, New York with approximately 2,070 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 44% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $36,000 per year. The graduation rate is 85%, and the typical graduate earns $80,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Union College is a private liberal arts college in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and second in the state of New York, after Columbia College. In the 19th century, it became known as the "Mother of Fraternities", because three of the earliest Greek-letter fraternities were established there. Union began enrolling women in 1970, after 175 years as an all-male institution. The college offers a liberal arts curriculum across 21 academic departments, including ABET-accredited engineering degree programs.

This is a strong option for students who want a true liberal arts experience with strong career outcomes — the $80,200 median earnings at 10 years is solid for a small college, and the 85% graduation rate suggests most students who enroll actually finish. The average net price of $36,000/year is on the higher end for a school of this size, so it's worth negotiating aid aggressively and comparing offers carefully. Worth considering if you thrive in a tight-knit, residential environment and want access to a loyal alumni network without competing in a massive research university.

Founded
1795
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences24%
Engineering18%
Biological Sciences14%
Psychology9%
Computer Science4%
Business & Marketing3%
English2%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jimmy CarterChester A. ArthurBaruch Samuel BlumbergWilliam H. SewardGeorge WestinghouseLewis H. MorganEdward BellamyJeffrey DeMunnNeil AbercrombieHenry HalleckGordon GouldBen Schwartz

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1410
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile760

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$66,456
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,456
Avg Net Price
$36,000
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants13%
Median debt at graduation$21,085

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
85%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
89%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$80,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,085
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,085
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$51,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$80,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

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

White66%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,070 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Union College

807 Union Street

Schenectady, NY 12308-2311

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • 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.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.