Union College logoUnion College

    Union College

    Schenectady, NY · Northeast

    Acceptance rate
    43.9%
    SAT mid-50
    1310-1480
    Cost after aid
    $34,561
    Graduation rate
    80%

    What Union College says matters

    How Union College rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

    Acceptance rate
    44%
    3,606 of 8,210
    CDS year
    2024-25

    Very important

    • Rigor of secondary school record
    • Class rank
    • Academic GPA

    Important

    • Standardized test scores
    • Application essay
    • Recommendations
    • Extracurricular activities
    • Talent or ability
    • Character or personal qualities
    • Volunteer work
    • Work experience

    Considered

    • First generation
    • Alumni relation
    • State residency
    • Level of applicant's interest

    Not considered

    • Religious affiliation or commitment

    The full Common Data Set

    Every figure Union College published for 2024-25, section by section.

    First-Time, First-Year Admission91

    Applications

    Total first-time, first-year students who applied
    8,210
    Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted
    3,606
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    1,777
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    998
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    3,229
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    2,084
    Total first-time, first-year who applied
    3,204
    Total first-time, first-year who were admitted
    524

    Wait List

    Number of qualified applicants offered a place on waiting list:
    293
    Number accepting a place on the waiting list:
    96
    Number of wait-listed students admitted:
    8

    Admissions Requirements

    Total academic units
    13
    English
    4
    Mathematics
    3
    Science
    2
    Foreign language
    2
    Social studies
    2
    Total academic units
    19
    English
    4
    Mathematics
    4
    Science
    3
    Foreign language
    3
    Social studies
    2
    History
    2
    Computer Science
    1

    Basis for Selection

    Rigor of secondary school record
    Very Important
    Class rank
    Very Important
    Academic GPA
    Very Important
    Standardized test scores
    Important
    Application Essay
    Important
    Recommendation(s)
    Important
    Extracurricular activities
    Important
    Talent/ability
    Important
    Character/personal qualities
    Important
    First generation
    Considered
    Alumni/ae relation
    Considered
    State residency
    Considered
    Religious affiliation/commitment
    Not Considered
    Volunteer work
    Important
    Work experience
    Important
    Level of applicant’s interest
    Considered

    First-time, first-year Profile

    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800
    46
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699
    50
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599
    4
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499
    1
    SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total
    100
    SAT Math: 700-800
    55
    SAT Math: 600-699
    39
    SAT Math: 500-599
    6
    SAT Math: 400-499
    0
    SAT Math: Total
    100
    SAT Composite: 1400-1600
    51
    SAT Composite: 1200-1399
    45
    SAT Composite: 1000-1199
    4
    SAT Composite: Total
    100
    ACT Composite: 30-36
    75
    ACT Composite: 24-29
    21
    ACT Composite: 18-23
    4
    ACT Composite: Total
    100
    Percent in top tenth of high school graduating class
    52%
    Percent in top quarter of high school graduating class
    79%
    Percent in top half of high school graduating class
    97%
    Percent in bottom half of high school graduating class
    3.0%
    Percent in bottom quarter of high school graduating class
    100%
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    22%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    26%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    20%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    16%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    10%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    3.0%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    2.0%
    Total
    100
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    9.0%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    21%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    22%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    27%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    13%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    7.0%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    0
    Total
    100
    Percent who had GPA of 4.0
    14%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99
    23%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74
    21%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49
    23%
    Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24
    12%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99
    5.0%
    Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49
    100%
    Total
    100
    Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:
    100%

    Admission Policies

    Amount of application fee:
    60
    If yes, maximum period of postponement:
    2 years
    Transfer Admission26

    Fall Applicants

    Men
    105
    Women
    91
    Another Gender
    0
    Unknown
    196
    Total
    25
    Men
    33
    Women
    0
    Another Gender
    58
    Unknown
    13
    Total
    11
    Men
    0
    Women
    24

    Application for Admission

    Fall
    X
    Winter
    X
    High school transcript
    Required of All
    College transcript(s)
    Required of All
    Essay or personal statement
    Required of All
    Interview
    Required of All
    Standardized test scores
    Required of All
    Statement of good standing from prior institution(s)
    Required of All
    If a minimum college grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):
    3.0
    List any other application requirements specific to transfer applicants:
    N/A
    Fall
    4
    Winter
    15
    Fall
    2
    Winter
    1
    Academic Offerings and Policies19

    Special Study Options

    Accelerated program
    X
    Cross-registration
    X
    Double major
    X
    Dual enrollment
    X
    Honors Program
    X
    Independent study
    X
    Internships
    X
    Liberal arts/career combination
    X
    Student-designed major
    X
    Study abroad
    X
    Teacher certification program
    X
    Undergraduate Research
    X

    Required Course Work

    English (including composition)
    X
    Humanities
    X
    Intensive writing
    X
    Mathematics
    X
    Philosophy
    X
    Sciences (biological or physical)
    X
    Social science
    X
    Student Life36

    Percent Participating

    Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator)
    68%
    Percent of men who join fraternities
    0
    Percent of women who join sororities
    0
    Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
    97%
    Percent who live off campus or commute
    3.0%
    Percent of students age 25 and older
    0
    Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator)
    68%
    Percent of men who join fraternities
    10%
    Percent of women who join sororities
    12%
    Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
    90%
    Percent who live off campus or commute
    10%
    Percent of students age 25 and older
    30%

    Average Age

    Average age of full-time students
    18
    Average age of all students (full- and part-time)
    18
    Average age of full-time students
    20
    Average age of all students (full- and part-time)
    20

    Activities Offered

    Campus Ministries
    X
    Choral groups
    X
    Concert band
    X
    Dance
    X
    Drama/theater
    X
    International Student Organization
    X
    Jazz band
    X
    Literary magazine
    X
    Model UN
    X
    Music ensembles
    X
    Musical theater
    X
    Opera
    X
    Pep band
    X
    Radio station
    X
    Student government
    X
    Student newspaper
    X
    Student-run film society
    X
    Symphony orchestra
    X
    Television station
    X
    Yearbook
    X
    Annual Expenses4

    Private Tuition

    Tuition
    71226
    Tuition
    71226

    All Institutions Expenses

    Food Only (on-campus meal plan):
    7983
    Food Only (on-campus meal plan):
    7983
    Financial Aid54

    Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

    N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits)
    113
    O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n
    24,885
    P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant
    9
    Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p
    70,079
    N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits)
    580
    O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n
    22,031
    P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant
    24
    Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p
    59,478

    Methodology

    Both FM and IM
    2706645

    Need-based Aid Awarded

    Federal
    1253322
    State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located
    62271160
    Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).
    921139
    Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college
    67152266
    Total Scholarships/Grants
    2664419
    Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans)
    418138
    Federal Work-Study
    823273
    State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.)
    3905830
    Total Self-Help
    0
    Parent Loans
    0
    Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.
    237471
    Athletic Awards
    294156

    Non-need-based Aid Awarded

    Federal
    96706
    State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located
    15026298
    Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).
    467084
    Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college
    15884244
    Total Scholarships/Grants
    7495190
    State and other (e.g., institutional) work-study/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.)
    7495190
    Total Self-Help
    2965059
    Parent Loans
    675456
    Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.
    1427467

    Students Awarded Aid

    A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort)
    500
    B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid
    394
    C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need
    358
    D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid
    358
    E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid
    358
    F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid
    322
    G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid
    0
    H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans)
    358
    I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans)
    100%
    K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e
    58057
    L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f
    5187
    M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan
    4032
    A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item B1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort)
    2,031
    B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid
    1,315
    C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need
    1,206
    D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid
    1,206
    E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid
    1,206
    F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid
    1,066
    G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid
    3
    H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans)
    1,206
    I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans)
    100%
    K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e
    54042
    L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f
    5555
    M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan
    4883
    Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred28

    Diploma/Certificates

    Natural resources and conservation
    2.2
    Area, ethnic, and gender studies
    2
    Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics
    2
    English
    4
    Mathematics and statistics
    3
    Science technologies
    2

    Bachelors

    Agriculture
    1
    Natural resources and conservation
    3
    Architecture
    4
    Area, ethnic, and gender studies
    5
    Communication/journalism
    9
    Computer and information sciences
    4.8
    Engineering
    16
    Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics
    6.5
    English
    3.8
    Liberal arts/general studies
    0.5
    Biological/life sciences
    12.9
    Mathematics and statistics
    2.5
    Military science and military technologies
    28
    Interdisciplinary studies
    0.4
    Philosophy and religious studies
    1.4
    Physical sciences
    2.9
    Science technologies
    3
    Psychology
    10.2
    Social sciences
    25.1
    Visual and performing arts
    2.2
    Business/marketing
    2.7
    History
    3.9
    Enrollment And Persistence29

    Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

    Nonresidents
    64
    Hispanic/Latino
    84
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    31
    White, non-Hispanic
    249
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    0
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    47
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    0
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    25
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    0
    TOTAL
    500
    Hispanic/Latino
    223
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    88
    White, non-Hispanic
    1,274
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    0
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    151
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    2
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    75
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    1
    TOTAL
    2,031
    Hispanic/Latino
    225
    Black or African American, non-Hispanic
    89
    White, non-Hispanic
    1,283
    American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic
    0
    Asian, non-Hispanic
    152
    Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic
    2
    Two or more races, non-Hispanic
    77
    Race and/or ethnicity unknown
    19
    TOTAL
    2,065

    Persistence

    Bachelor's degrees
    455
    Instructional Faculty And Class Size40

    Instructional Faculty

    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    231
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    31
    C. Total number who are women
    103
    D. Total number who are men
    126
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    21
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    227
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    2
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    2
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    0
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    0
    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    2
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    0
    C. Total number who are women
    2
    D. Total number who are men
    0
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    0
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    2%
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    0
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    0
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    0
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    0
    A. Total number of instructional faculty
    233
    B. Total number who are members of minority groups
    31
    C. Total number who are women
    105
    D. Total number who are men
    126
    E. Total number who are nonresidents (international)
    21
    F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree
    229
    G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s
    2
    H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s
    2
    I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.)
    0
    J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students
    0

    Student to Faculty Ratio

    Fall 2024 Student to Faculty ratio
    9
    based on ____ students
    2,024

    Undergraduate Class Size

    2-9
    104
    10-19
    165
    20-29
    94
    30-39
    27
    40-49
    0
    50-99
    1
    100+
    0
    Total
    391
    Source: Union College's Common Data Set 2024-25

    About Union College

    Union College is a very small private university in Schenectady, NY, in a city setting.

    What Union College looks for

    Union College admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

    Frequently asked

    • What SAT score do I need for Union College?

      Union College's middle 50% SAT range is 1310 to 1480. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

    • What ACT score do I need for Union College?

      Middle 50% ACT range is 29 to 33. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

    • What is the acceptance rate at Union College?

      Union College admits roughly 44% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

    • What does Union College actually cost after financial aid?

      Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $34,561 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

    • Is Union College a reach, match, or safety for me?

      Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Union College as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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