Admissions Office

Financial Aid

More than 50% of Union students receive need-based financial scholarship assistance to attend Union and over 25% receive merit scholarships. We understand that navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming to families. We strive to keep the process as simple as possible.

Steps to successfully completing the required applications

If at any time you have questions, our financial aid staff is available to help you.

We encourage you to become as familiar as possible with the basic details pertaining to financial aid. The instructions and resources on this site will guide you through the procedures and help clarify types of financial aid, eligibility, forms and deadlines.

All candidates for aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (domestic students only) and the College Scholarship Service's (CSS) PROFILE form and submit online to the appropriate agencies by the financial aid application deadline.

Financial aid at Union:

  • Our comprehensive financial aid program includes more than $80 million in aid from Union's own resources and from federal, state, institutional and other agencies.
  • Over $60 million is awarded annually to Union students in the form of grants and scholarships. Grants and scholarships are outright awards and do not need to be repaid.
  • Union has a longstanding commitment to admitting an economically diverse student body. We meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. In order to meet this commitment, we are need aware in the admissions process.
  • Students who demonstrate financial need are offered a financial aid package that generally consists of a grant, loan and work opportunity.
  • The average need-based scholarship is $46,450. Need-based aid is evaluated annually. If your family’s financial situation is similar from year to year, you can expect your aid to be renewed at a comparable level.
  • Starting with the class entering in Fall 2020, to help more families overcome financial obstacles to Union, we offer Making U Possible grants to students who apply for financial aid, but who otherwise would not qualify for need-based aid or would qualify for only minimal amounts. Thanks to Making U Possible, families who have an EFC – as measured through the CSS Profile – up to $54,000 (average family income of $100,000) can expect total grant and scholarship assistance ranging from $30,000 - $35,000. Families with an EFC between $54,000 and $96,000 (incomes as high as $250,000) would be eligible for a minimum of $20,000 - $23,000.
  • First-year and transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to our top applicants each year based on academic credentials. They range from $18,000 to $30,000 and are renewed annually for four years.
  • There are a variety of ways to finance your education beyond financial aid. These include tuition payment plans, parent loans and student loans.
  • Additional information for international students may be found on our international applicant page.

Tuition and fees 2023-2024

Union's comprehensive fee, which includes tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees, is $82,845 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The estimated cost for books and personal expenses is $2,000.

We're here to help

Remember that our Financial Aid Office is here to offer assistance with any and all questions you may have. Please feel free to call or email us. Our phone number is (518) 388-6123. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Your investment

Union consistently ranks in the top tier among schools that provide the biggest return on their investment. Union was also ranked #11 on the Forbes list of liberal arts colleges whose graduates earn the most.