The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Many pivotal American conversations have echoed from its Great Hall, and that spirit of inquiry still shapes daily life here. The Cooper Union is known for studio-based art, design, and architecture alongside rigorous engineering. Students work in light-filled studios, fabrication shops, labs, and galleries, supported by a resourceful library, thoughtful advising, wellness services, and hands-on help when projects get tricky.
Clubs, critiques, pop-up shows, and public talks keep evenings busy, and the end-of-year exhibitions are a city draw. Career prep leans practical: portfolio reviews, mentoring, and proximity to firms, museums, and start-ups feed internships and first gigs. The culture is intense, collaborative, a little stubborn in the best way. And the East Village location means constant access to parks, cafes, and cultural institutions. Notable alumni include Milton Glaser, Daniel Libeskind, Lee Krasner, and Alex Katz.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in New York. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Engineering (9)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
14.0101
Engineering, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other | $121,720 | $103,460 | -$18,260 (-15%) |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,340 | $86,670 | -$32,670 (-27.4%) |
14.0701
Chemical Engineering.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 17-2041 | Chemical Engineers | $128,430 | $127,630 | -$800 (-0.6%) |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,340 | $86,670 | -$32,670 (-27.4%) |
14.0801
Civil Engineering, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 17-2051 | Civil Engineers | $107,050 | $99,060 | -$7,990 (-7.5%) |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,340 | $86,670 | -$32,670 (-27.4%) |
14.1001
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 17-2011 | Aerospace Engineers | $141,180 | $112,250 | -$28,930 (-20.5%) |
| 17-2061 | Computer Hardware Engineers | $156,770 | $131,990 | -$24,780 (-15.8%) |
| 17-2071 | Electrical Engineers | $120,980 | $100,810 | -$20,170 (-16.7%) |
| 17-2072 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $132,500 | $131,430 | -$1,070 (-0.8%) |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,340 | $86,670 | -$32,670 (-27.4%) |
14.1901
Mechanical Engineering.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $84,290 | +$1,130 (+1.4%) |
| 17-2011 | Aerospace Engineers | $141,180 | $112,250 | -$28,930 (-20.5%) |
| 17-2141 | Mechanical Engineers | $110,080 | $98,030 | -$12,050 (-10.9%) |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,340 | $86,670 | -$32,670 (-27.4%) |
Arts (1)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $77,150 | +$700 (+0.9%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $73,310 | -$6,180 (-7.8%) |
Architecture (1)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0201
Architecture.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,560 | -$25,150 (-14.3%) |
| 17-1011 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $103,390 | $106,680 | +$3,290 (+3.2%) |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $76,980 | -$33,380 (-30.2%) |
Eng. Technologies (1)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1303
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-3011 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $68,860 | $62,610 | -$6,250 (-9.1%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
How much does it cost to attend The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
The annual tuition at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is $46,820 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $69,546 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,650 (on) / $15,910 (off) and books and supplies $1,800.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offer?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers 14 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (9 programs)
- Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (1 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has an 19.1% acceptance rate and a 52.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,790
- Students admitted: 341
- Students enrolled: 180
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $39,187 and average loans of $7,657.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,881
- State/Local grants: $2,919
- Institutional grants: $37,278
- Federal loans: $5,006
The university supports 195 students with grants and 58 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates?
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates earn a median salary of $39,707 after 6 years and $83,847 after 10 years.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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