Union College
Union College has an acceptance rate of 43.9%, annual tuition of $69,039, average net price of $34,561, and a national rank of #910 (Grade B), with a 80.4% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 2,046 undergraduates, and median earnings of $81,583 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Union College is a private nonprofit university in Schenectady, NY. Students most often pursue Economics and Mechanical Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 90.2% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 56.4%, roughly 6.5 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Union College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Union College graduates 80.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 84.8% and keeps 90.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Union College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $69,039 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,010 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $576 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $84,561 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.4% of Union College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,776 to $45,017 depending on family income. Use Union College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $34,100/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $45,017/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $81,583
- 10-Year Median Earnings $88,604
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $25,337
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 85.9%
- Employment Rate 38.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Union College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Union College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Union College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Union College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Union College graduates earn $81,583 median four years after graduation, +35% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 660-720
- SAT Math 650-760
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,046
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Retention Rate 90.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 80.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 84.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Union College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Union College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 43.9%, Union College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Union College accepts 43.9% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1480 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Union College undergraduates. Economics, Political Science and Government, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Economics 13.8%
- Political Science and Government 8.1%
- Mechanical Engineering 7.9%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 6.9%
- Biology, General 6.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.8%
See more majors
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 5.5%
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $113,427
- 2. Mechanical Engineering $97,575
- 3. Political Science and Government $83,411
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $75,195
- 5. Psychology, General $67,572
- 6. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $67,210
- 7. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $62,624
- 8. English Language and Literature, General $57,259
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $49,183
- 10. Research and Experimental Psychology $30,061
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $113,427—277% more than Research and Experimental Psychology ($30,061). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Union College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 46 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)▼
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Mechanical Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sociology
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,046
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Male Students 46.9%
- Female Students 46.9%
- Caucasian 62.7%
- Asian 7.4%
- Hispanic 10.9%
- Black 4.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Union College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Union College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Union College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Union College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Union College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Union College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Union College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 56.4% ROI. Ranked #910 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $34,561 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $81,583 median earnings. With 80.4% graduating within 150% of normal time and 90.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Union College's Positioning
With a B grade and #910 ranking, Union College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $34,561 annually, Union College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 90.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $24,193 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 56.4% ROI and $81,583 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $24,561+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Union College ranks #910 of 1947 institutions, with 1164 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 80.4% graduation rate sits 17.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 90.2% first-year retention is 13.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 56.4% return on investment is 6.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $81,583 run about 35% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $34,561 is roughly $14,482 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 90.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 38.7% employment rate within three years sits 29.5 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $34,561 is about $14,482 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.4% trails the national share by 20.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Union College is a private nonprofit university based in Schenectady, NY and earns a B overall grade. It appears at #910 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A, Support A-, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 90.2% of first-year students return; 80.4% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 84.8%. The reported ROI is 56.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $34,561 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $84,561.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $50,000 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,337 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $81,583 four years after graduation. This is roughly 35% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 38.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 56.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
43.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Union College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union College's acceptance rate?
Union College's acceptance rate is 43.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Union College cost?
At Union College, listed tuition and fees are $69,039 per year, and the average net price after aid is $34,561. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Union College's ranking?
Union College ranks #910 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Union College's graduation rate?
At Union College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 80.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 84.8%, and first-year retention is 90.2%.
What are Union College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Union College report median earnings of $81,583 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Union College's student population?
Union College enrolls about 2,046 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Schenectady, NY 12308-2311
- Website www.union.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$522.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate11.9%