The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
The Cooper Union
New York, New York 10003-7120
Campus Vibe
Highly selective — top graduate earnings
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a private urban institution in New York, New York. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1480.
A small campus of 891 undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
80% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $83,847 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,478.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1480
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
79.2%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,375
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
7
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (15)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
- •91% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding and early history The Cooper Union was founded in 1859 by American industrialist Peter Cooper, one of the richest businessmen in the United States.
- •2005 Cooper's dream was to give talented young people the one privilege he lacked: a good education from an institution which was "open and free to all".
- •In 1883, a five-year curriculum in chemistry was added as an alternative to the applied science (engineering) program.
- •A daytime engineering college was added in 1902, thanks to funds contributed by Andrew Carnegie.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average