Founded in 1795 and located in Schenectady, New York, Union College was the first college in New York State to be granted the right to confer degrees, and the first university in the United States established by scholars from different denominations. College of Union ranks 44th in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings of U.S. liberal arts colleges for undergraduate programs. With an enrollment of 2,065 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:9, the college operates on a unique three-term academic calendar. Sixty-nine percent of classes have fewer than 20 students, and the institution offers abundant educational resources. 5 Ways to Make It Easier to Earn an American College Diploma
Strengths and Career Prospects
The College of Union is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, offering Bachelor of Science degrees accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in four majors: Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering (two of these four programs are currently seeking ABET accreditation). The College of Union’s top 15% of most popular majors are in the social sciences, engineering, and biological sciences. The median first-year salary for graduates is $113,427 (social sciences) and $97,575 (engineering). The college has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll four times, and approximately 60% of students participate in study abroad programs.
Application Requirements and Admissions Data
Union College follows a test-optional admissions policy. The acceptance rate is approximately 43% (Fall 2025), and international students make up 6% of the enrolled student body. Accepted students typically have SAT scores ranging from 1,330 to 1,480, ACT scores from 30 to 34, and a high school GPA of approximately 3.7. A TOEFL score of 90 or higher, or an IELTS score of 7.0 (Class of 2026). For the new TOEFL test format introduced after January 2026, a score of 4.5 is required, or a Duolingo score of 125. The application deadline is January 15 (Regular Decision) and November 1 (Early Decision).
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the 2025–26 academic year is $71,676, and room and board is $17,640. 59% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid; the average net cost for students receiving federal loan assistance is $35,375, with an average grant amount of $62,738.
Insights: 5 Ways to Make Earning a Joint College Degree Easier
Joint College boasts a four-year graduation rate of 73%, far exceeding the average for liberal arts colleges. To successfully earn your degree, the following five strategies are essential:
1. Actively Leverage the 9:1 Faculty-Student Ratio
Consult with professors at least once a week regarding course challenges or research opportunities. In small classes, professors can quickly identify students falling behind; proactive communication helps avoid the risk of failing a course.
2. Master the Rhythm of the Three-Semester System
Each semester is only 40 weeks long; missing one week of class means falling behind by 30%. Create a weekly plan for every course, use your time on campus for internships or research, and avoid cramming everything at the last minute.
3. Stick to the ABET Engineering Program Standard Path
Prerequisite course requirements are strict (e.g., a grade of C- or higher is required for Mechanical Engineering). Once courses are selected, they cannot be changed; do not let a wrong course choice affect your graduation.
4. Secure Overseas Exchange Opportunities
Nearly 60% of students choose to study abroad, with the highest number of engineering students studying abroad during their third year. Set your study abroad goals in the first year and complete the prerequisite courses; studying abroad will not affect your graduation.
5. Make Full Use of Academic Support Resources
Course Difficulty: After the semester begins, consult upperclassmen about past difficulty levels, balance your course load with a mix of high, medium, and low-difficulty courses, and visit the free academic counseling center frequently.
