Union College
Founded in 1795, Union College was the first liberal arts college to offer engineering. Tradition meets innovation across arts, engineering, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Union’s flexible academic structure encourages interdisciplinary study; 75% of students combine disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, faculty-mentored research (80% participate), and international study (60% study abroad). Its 2,100 undergraduates represent 40 U.S. states and 50 countries, with 40% from diverse domestic or international backgrounds.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateUrbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Research
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
Application information
First-year
Union offers Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision for first-year applicants. We seek students with strong grades, and encourage honors/advanced and AP or IB courses. Secondary school recommendations are also important. Beyond academics, we look for personal responsibility and integrity, and carefully review talents and background. We look for students who can participate enthusiastically and constructively in the life of the College. Standardized testing is optional (except for our combined law and medicine programs, and for home schooled students). Interviews are encouraged.
Transfer
Successful transfer applicants present a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in at least one semester of full-time academic work in courses comparable to those offered at Union College. Consideration is also given to recommendations and personal qualities. In particular, we look for students who can participate enthusiastically and constructively in the life of the College. If you are able to visit campus, we encourage you to schedule an interview. Learn more about transferring to Union.
Image gallery
Additional information
More than 60% of Union students receive need-based financial assistance to attend Union and over 25% receive merit scholarships. The average need-based grant is $50,000. First-year and transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit, and scholarships are awarded to our top applicants each year based on academic credentials. They range from $12,000 to $40,000 and are automatically renewed annually for four years. In addition to the standard methods of aid, Union's Making U Possible initiative expands eligibility to more students who apply for financial aid, but who otherwise would not qualify for need-based aid or would qualify for only minimal amounts. Families who have an expected contribution – as measured by the CSS Profile and FAFSA – up to Union’s Cost of Attendance can expect grant and scholarship assistance ranging from $30,000 - $40,000.
Visit us
Whether you can spend an hour, an afternoon or a full day, Union has a visit option for you. We offer both virtual and in-person visit opportunities on weekdays and many Saturdays throughout the year, including information sessions, campus tours, classroom visits and more. Interviews are available beginning in June for high school juniors (continuing through Jan. 31 of senior year) and year-round for transfer students. Union also hosts numerous Open House programs which take place in the fall, spring and summer. Explore visit options.
"To me, Union is family. My first year, I was sitting alone in the dining hall having breakfast before class. Someone called my name and I looked over and it was a junior in one of my biology classes. He invited me to sit with him and really made me feel like I mattered. I’ll never forget that moment.”