Admissions FAQs
Union is a highly selective, private, liberal arts college with a breadth of strong academic programs in the humanities, sciences, arts and engineering. Dating to 1795, the College is a warm and welcoming community with exceptional faculty and students.
What is the Union campus like?
Stunning. Union’s campus, the first planned campus in America, is as impressive today as it was when French landscape architect Joseph Jacques Ramée designed it two centuries ago. The 100-acre campus has a beautiful sweeping central green centered by the distinctive Nott Memorial. The center of campus is ringed by a symmetrical building plan opening to the west. An eight-acre garden and woodland known as Jackson’s Garden is perfect for peaceful walks, study and photography. In short, there’s plenty of space for outdoor study, picnics or just hanging with friends.
Where is Union located?
Union College is located in upstate New York, in the historic city of Schenectady (population 62,000). We’re in the heart of the Capital-Saratoga Region, near the state capital of Albany, and part of a burgeoning technological commercial and cultural region. New York and Boston are three hours away by car, and Montreal, four. We’re also close to rural areas, the Adirondack Mountains and major East Coast ski slopes. The Albany International Airport is 15 minutes from campus; Amtrak and several bus lines just blocks from campus. The name “Schenectady” derives from a Mohawk word for “near the pines” and refers to the pine plains between the Mohawk and Hudson rivers.
How many students attend Union?
There are 2,128 full-time undergraduates; 52 percent of the students are men, and 48 percent, women. Union Graduate College shares some campus facilities, introducing an additional 500 students.
Where do Union students come from?
Union undergraduates come from 35 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 26 countries, from Bulgaria and Ecuador to Ghana, Syria and Vietnam. Our international students comprise 4 percent of our students.
How diverse is your student body?
Sixteen percent of Union students identify themselves as students of color. Union students also represent and identify with many different religions and faiths. Sixty-four percent qualify for financial aid.
How many students apply to Union, and what is the acceptance rate?
Union received 5,271 applications for the Class of 2012; 2,067 students were admitted (39 percent).
How big is the current first-year class, and how many first-years will be admitted this fall?
There are 580 students in the Class of 2012; we plan to enroll 565 students in the Class of 2013.
Does Union require SATs and other standardized test scores?
Union is SAT-optional. Candidates can indicate on the common application whether or not they would like their scores considered in their application. Applicants for the eight-year Leadership in Medicine Program are required to submit the SAT I and two SAT II tests (one mathematics test, and one science) or the ACT. Applicants for the six-year Law and Public Policy Program must submit either the SAT I and two SAT II tests or the ACT. For those students who submitted their scores, the average SAT was 1970 (650 Verbal, 670 Math, 650 Written). The average SAT for enrolled students was 1900 (620V, 650 M, 630 W). The average ACT composite score was 28.
Does Union enroll transfer students?
Union admits between 20 and 30 transfer students annually. May 1 is the deadline for fall admission for transfers.
How does Union evaluate each application?
We consider the secondary school record, including class rank and the quality of courses taken; the recommendations of at least one secondary school teacher; and the applicant’s personal qualities and extracurricular record. As noted, scores on tests given by the College Board (SAT) or ACT are optional except for accelerated programs. We encourage students to interview.
How important are interviews?
We strongly recommend that students visit Union for an admissions interview and a student-guided tour. Alumni interviews may be arranged by contacting the Admissions Office.
How much does it cost to go to Union, and what kind of financial aid is available?
Union strives to make a rigorous, high-quality education affordable for all students and families. College tuition, fees, and room and board for the 2008-2009 academic year total $48,552. More than half of all Union students receive some form of financial assistance from the College each year. The average Union scholarship is approximately $20,800, and the average financial aid package (scholarship, loan and job) is $25,400 (includes all scholarship, need-based loans and work-study). Scholarship awards are based on academic performance and financial need. The College gave a total of more than $35 million in aid to its students in 2008-2009. Union is committed to meeting the full financial need of all admitted students.
How do I apply for aid?
Candidates for aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service’s PROFILE form and mail them directly to the appropriate agencies by Feb. 1. For more information, please visit our Financial Aid Web site.
What are the application deadlines?
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, with decisions mailed by April 1. Applications to the Leadership in Medicine program are due no later than Dec. 15. Those for the Law and Public Policy program must be filed no later than Jan. 1. Those deferred under early decision and all regular applicants are given a final decision by April 1. Union adheres to the Candidates Reply Date of May 1.