Union College is one of the nation's oldest and most distinguished liberal arts colleges. Chartered by the state of New York in 1795, Union is a leader in offering an integrated liberal arts education that fully embraces STEM while teaching students to be engaged, innovative and ethical contributors to a diverse, global and technologically complex society. The Union curriculum emphasizes collaboration with students and faculty through small classes and undergraduate research, interdisciplinary and international study, and service learning.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Director of Admissions
Grant Hall
Schenectady, NY 12308
Experience College Life
Schaffer Library
Reamer Campus Center
Jackson's Garden
Wold Center for Science and Engineering
Jay Street area - restaurants, shops
Times Union Center - sporting events, concerts
Crossgates Mall
Adirondack Mountains
Located in the Capital District of New York, Schenectady boasts the amenities of a small city and the recreational opportunities of the Adirondack and Berkshire mountains.
Campus Tours
9:00am-4:00pm; 10am-2pm
(518) 388-6112
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 10:30am, 12:30,1:30,&3:30pm,some Sat. 11am,noon,1pm
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
More than 6,500 applicants typically seek first-year class positions; roughly 70 percent are in the top 10 percent of their secondary school class. Admissions counselors look at grades, rigor of courses taken, class rank, teacher recommendations and extracurricular involvement. Typically, 16 units of secondary school preparation are required for admission. These should include credits in such fundamental subjects as English, foreign language, mathematics, social studies and science. It is strongly recommended that students visit Union for an interview and student-guided tour. Alumni interviews may be requested online. A student can choose not to submit his or her SAT or ACT scores for review, except for accelerated programs, which require applicants to submit the SAT and two SAT Subject Tests.
Early decision (ED) candidates have two options. The application deadline (including all supporting credentials) for Option I is Nov. 15, with notification by Dec. 15. Option II has a Jan. 15 deadline (including all supporting credentials) and Feb. 15 notification. Applications for regular decision (RD) admission must be filed by Jan.15; decisions are mailed by April 1. Applications to the Leadership in Medicine program are due no later than Dec. 15, and for Law and Public Policy, by Jan. 15. Those deferred under ED and all regular applicants are given a final decision by April 1. Accepted students have until May 1 to commit.
Overview
SAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Decision II — January 15
Regular — January 15
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Class Rank
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Union is committed to integrating the humanities and social sciences with science and engineering while emphasizing the practical application of ideas through experience. Students gain deep knowledge within their majors and also experience ideas and insights from multiple disciplines.
Students must complete a minimum of 36 courses (up to 40 for engineering degrees) and satisfy departmental and Common Curriculum requirements, including the First-Year Preceptorial and Sophomore Research Seminar, which promote reading, writing, research and critical thinking skills. Distribution requirements in the humanities, literature, social sciences, linguistic and cultural competency, quantitative mathematical reasoning and the sciences promote a breadth of knowledge about the social and natural world, and key skills in analysis, literacy and numeracy. Writing Across the Curriculum requires students to take five designated courses from at least two divisions and one Senior Writing Experience.
Union encourages student research in all disciplines. Three-quarters of students actively engage in research. They work one-on-one with professors and have access to sophisticated instrumentation often reserved for graduate students at large universities. At Steinmetz Symposium each spring, some 500 students present their research, scholarship and creative work. Approximately 140 students participate in summer research. Many students co-author publications with faculty and present at major conferences. Union consistently ranks among the top of its peer institutions in National Science Foundation awards.
Academic advisers help students select the right coursework, develop research topics, and pursue internships and service. Students participate in internships at more than 500 organizations worldwide, gaining real-world experience in such fields as businesses, health care, government, science, social service, technology and the arts. Union also sponsors IBM summer internships in China and Switzerland, as well as the Silicon Valley Internship on Innovation and Creativity, which combines internships in Bay Area startups and NGOs with courses in culture and entrepreneurship. There is faculty advising for business, law, medical and graduate school, and students also receive encouragement and support in applying for prestigious national and international scholarships and fellowships.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Union offers more than 40 majors and 58 minors. Students may choose double majors; combine majors and minors; or pursue interdepartmental and multidisciplinary programs, such as ethnic and cultural studies. Some students design their own Organizing Theme major. Most students take three courses in each of the three 10-week terms that comprise Union's academic calendar. The average introductory class has 21 students; the average upper level class, 14.
Union also offers numerous joint programs leading to advanced degrees. These include: a 3+3 accelerated law program (B.A. + J.D.); a 4+1 master of arts in teaching (B.A. or B.S. + MAT); a 4+1 master of science with degree with options in bioethics, energy systems and electrical or mechanical engineering (B.S. + M.S.); a 5-year business/management program (B.A. or B.S. + M.B.A.); and an 8-year leadership in medicine program (B.S. + M.S. or M.B.A. + M.D.)
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Russian Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business/Managerial Economics.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
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ENGINEERING.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Astronomy.
Chemistry, General.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physical Sciences, Other.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Students Say
The professors are “interested in the lives of their students” and “work to make sure the student gets the academic support needed to succeed,” and best of all, “you will never EVER have a teaching assistant instead of a professor at Union.” Professors have an open door policy to always allow students right on in—“students are their main priority.” Research opportunities are plentiful—“any professor with a lab is always looking for new recruits”—and a strong engineering department ensures that the sciences get a fair shake at a traditionally liberal arts school. The school also strives “to create interesting interdisciplinary classes that combine science and humanities in innovative ways.”
Union is small, so “the sense of community is very important to the overall experience.” The administration “wants you to enjoy your four years of college not just by studying but get to know other people and do things you never did before.” A senior neuroscience major agrees: “Union is all about finding the best mix of the challenging courses and millions of activities happening each night.” The trimester schedule is “fantastic,” and the school “melds academic, social, and cultural life together seamlessly.” “Union is also a prestigious institution that is small enough to allow every student a presence on campus,” says one.
Degrees
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Union's comprehensive fee, which includes tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees, is $68,853 for the 2018-19 academic year. The estimated cost for books and personal expenses is $2,000.
Financial Aid
Union is committed to admitting an economically diverse student body and to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. Its comprehensive financial aid program includes more than $65 million in aid from Union's own resources and from federal, state, institutional and other agencies.The College offers more than $45 million annually in the form of grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Scholarship awards are based on academic performance and financial need. The average need-based Union scholarship is $35,000; need-based aid is evaluated annually. First-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to top applicants each year based on academic credentials. They range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are renewed annually for four years. Students who demonstrate financial need are offered a financial aid package that generally consists of a grant, loan and work opportunity. More than 60 percent of students receive financial assistance from the College. Candidates for aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service's PROFILE form by Jan. 15; Early Decision (ED) candidates must file by the ED application deadline.
Dates
Required Forms
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Union's approximately 2,200 full-time undergraduates come from 40 U.S. states and territories and 36 other countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe. International students make up 7 percent of the student body, and 20 percent of students identify themselves as members of a multicultural group.
Union has more than 100 campus clubs, including arts and cultural groups; the student newspaper, Concordiensis, and radio station, WRUC; sports clubs; academic societies; service and political interest groups; 9 residential fraternities and sororities; and 13 theme houses (devoted to arts, civil liberties, the LGBTQ community, sustainability, technology and more). Cultural events include concerts, theater, dance, film and exhibits. Union's comprehensive athletics program offers 26 varsity intercollegiate sports, organized intramurals, club sports, and recreational and fitness activities. Union is a member of the NCAA, Liberty League and ECAC Hockey. Men's and women's ice hockey compete in NCAA Division I programs; other teams are Division III. Union triumphed in the Frozen Four to capture the national men's hockey title in 2014.
The Minerva House system is a vibrant community and launch pad for an array of college experiences. All students and faculty members belong to one of seven on-campus houses, where they contribute in distinct ways to Union's social, cultural, academic and intellectual life. Student-run Minerva programs range from book clubs and barbecues to language tables, current events discussions and cooking dinner with professors. The longest running Minerva program, Green House jams, brings together students and faculty for musical jam sessions every Friday afternoon.
Union inspires and encourages students to engage with the local global community through meaningful volunteer work and charitable projects. Some 1,200 students each year are involved in more than 30 service programs and other opportunities for service and leadership. The Kenney Community Center is a hub that connects students with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring programs and many civic projects. Many students groups, athletic teams, and Greek organizations also sponsor community service activities.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
The first planned campus in America, Union was designed by noted French architect Joseph-Jacques Ramée and includes the 16-sided Nott Memorial, a historic landmark, and Jackson's Garden, a certified natural wildlife habitat. Union is located on 130 acres in the revitalized city of Schenectady, part of New York's Capital Region. Steps from campus, the city features a lively mix of restaurants, cafés, shops, theaters and a popular weekly greenmarket. The region's rich cultural heritage, thriving high-tech industry and diverse economy offer opportunities for student/faculty research, internships and jobs. Union is a 20-minute drive from Albany International Airport and a short walk or drive from the Schenectady bus and train stations. It is within easy reach of New York City (a 3-hour drive), Boston (3 hours), Montreal (4 hours), and rural and wilderness areas.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Union is in the midst of the largest and most ambitious project in its history – a $100 million makeover and expansion of the Science and Engineering Center. A centerpiece of the revamped center, to be named the Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, will be an arc-shaped building featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a four-story lightwell that allows individuals to glimpse the work of other disciplines. The reconstruction is designed to revolutionize teaching, learning and research across engineering, science and the liberal arts.
The Peter Irving Wold Center, an interdisciplinary hub, offers leading-edge programs in biochemistry, environmental studies, electrical engineering and music research. The Center for Neuroscience in Butterfield Hall brings together computer and research labs, classrooms and collaborative spaces. The F.W. Olin Center houses high-tech classrooms and laboratories.
The Nott Memorial is used for study, exhibits and special events, including the annual Study Abroad Fair, the Lothridge Festival of Dance, and guest lectures by such noted figures as U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, architect Maya Lin, environmentalist Bill McKibben, activist Cornel West and journalist Bob Woodward.
Schaffer Library has over 1 million print and electronic volumes and more than 11,000 current print and electronic serial titles. Union also participates in the ConnectNY consortium, giving users access to the holdings of 14 other member libraries. The College Archives, Language Lab, Special Collections and Writing Center are also housed at Schaffer Library.
Karp Hall houses the departments of English, and Modern Languages and Literature. Lippman Hall is home to the Social Sciences, including Economics, History, Political Science and Sociology. Lamont House is home to Anthropology, Classics and Philosophy, and the Religious Studies program.
The Feigenbaum Center for Visual Arts includes studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, 2D and 3D design, and metal-working, as well as a media lab, traditional dark room, public galleries and classrooms. Other arts facilities include the Mandeville Gallery and Wikoff Student Gallery, both in the Nott Memorial; the all-Steinway Taylor Music Center; the Yulman Theater, home to Mountebanks, the nation's oldest student performing group; and the Henle Dance Pavilion. Union's Kelly Adirondack Center in nearby Niskayuna houses one of the largest research collections on the Adirondack region.
Residential options for students include traditional dorms, apartment-style housing, theme houses, Minerva Houses, Greek houses, College Park Hall and Garnet Commons. Reamer Campus Center includes dining facilities, the bookstore and offices for student activities.
Among the athletic facilities are Alumni Gymnasium, which features the Breazzano Fitness Center, a swimming/diving pool, and exercise and yoga studios. Other recreational and sports facilities include the 3,000-seat Messa Rink at Achilles Center, home of Union's Div. I hockey teams, and the Travis J. Clark '00 Strength Training Facility for varsity athletes. The men's and women's crew teams train at the College's boathouse on the Mohawk River. The Wicker Wellness Center offers professional health, wellness and counseling services and is the home of Jenna, the campus therapy dog.
The Becker Career Center helps students align their personal passions with their academic and professional pursuits, and it works with employers and alumni to guide students in competing effectively in today's job market. Students can connect with alumni in all fields through the Union Career Advisory Network (UCAN). HireU, the center's internship and job database, contains opportunities from alumni and employers who are seeking Union students. Students regularly meet potential employers at campus career and internship fairs and other events. Ninety-eight percent of new Union graduates are employed or pursuing an advanced degree or fellowship.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Union offers more than 40 terms and mini-term programs in 30 countries. Students can conduct anthropological research in Fiji, learn about Italian Renaissance architecture in Florence, study engineering in Turkey or visit alternative energy sites in New Zealand. There are also great opportunities for internships and service. Nearly 60 percent of Union students go on terms abroad, one of the highest percentages among colleges and universities. Most programs are led by Union faculty. Students also may design their own program of study abroad, and participate in non-Union and exchange programs. In addition to full-term programs, three-week mini-terms are offered during winter and summer breaks in various U.S. cities and other countries. The unique Minerva Fellows program gives young alumni a chance to travel abroad their first year after leaving Union, instilling in them the power of an entrepreneurial approach in addressing poverty in developing countries.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Other
Theme Housing
Students Say
Between Greek and Minerva life, there is “a vibrant social life” for all students, though quite a few admit that the emphasis on the “huge” Greek life “could certainly be reduced.” “Most of the campus attends parties on weekends,” which is “a great way to relieve the stress caused by being at such an academically rigorous school and also meet new people.” In class, however, “we’re all nerds at heart, and we can talk books and numbers all day long.” Everyone also goes to free campus movies and other events like “concerts, magicians, comedians, roller skating, and others.”
The Capital Region is “all around us, so if you’re bored you’re just not trying hard enough,” says a student. There is a bounty of events and organizations, so “one has to try to NOT be involved.” “I never feel like the campus runs out of things for me to do,” says a senior. Dating is “thin” at Union: “it is not a couples’ school;” however, it IS a hockey school.
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Siena College
Navy ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/