Interested in STEM but love English, history, or foreign languages? Planning on being a lawyer, doctor or working on Wall Street? Consider Union College, a small liberal arts college located on 130 acres in Schenectady, NY.
The name “Union” represented the founders desire to create a welcoming unified academic community. Union prides itself on its interdisciplinary approach to education where engineering and the arts go hand-in-hand. Unlike the more technical schools, Union engineering students take courses promoting reading, writing and analytical skills making them better prepared for the changing world. Other popular programs are bioengineering, Latin and Caribbean studies, law and public policy, women’s and gender studies, and film.
Union College is one of the oldest campuses in the country and its redbrick buildings and 8 acres of gardens sit on a hill overlooking Schenectady. It is a residential campus with 92% of its 2,100 students living on campus. Students see themselves as politically diverse and “less preppy” than other liberal arts schools. A majority of the students come from the Northeast (60%) while students from all states are represented. International students make up 10% of the student body. First-generation students are supported through a mentor program,
Inside Admissions
Admission to Union is selective with a 40% acceptance rate. Union accepets both the Common and Coalition Applications and is a test-optional school. Students apply to the college and not a particular major which is helpful to students who are truly undecided. There are four options for applying: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. However, those who apply EDI, EDII or EA have the best chance for merit scholarship awards.
For students interested in law or medicine, Union offers 2 direct entry programs. Both programs are exceptions to the admission policies and require students to apply directly to the programs and to submit SAT or ACT scores.
● 3+3 Accelerated law Program with Albany Law School
A B.A. or B.S. is completed in 3 years.
The LSAT is taken during junior year for scholarship purposes.
Accepted students must maintain a 3.4 GPA to remain eligible for law school.
● Leadership in Medicine - Health Management Program
The program is 8 years with students receiving their B.S. from Union, an M.S. or M.B.A. in Healthcare Management from Clarkson University and an M.D. from Albany Medical College.
MCATs are not required.
Union follows a trimester calendar with students taking 3 classes every 10 week session. This schedule gives students an increased opportunity to learn outside the classroom through 3 immersive experiences:
● Research
● Internships
● Study Abroad - at Union engineering students can study abroad and still graduate in 4 years.
In addition to traditional college activities like sports, Greek life, student government and service organizations, Union is known for its Minerva Program. Every first-year student is assigned to 1 of 7 Minerva Houses with each house having its own theme. The houses are hubs of social and academic activities as well as housing for upper-class students.
Union is generous with financial aid and meets 100% of the demonstrated need of accepted students. Applicants are also automatically considered for renewable merit awards when they apply. In an effort to address families who will either not qualify for financial aid or only qualify for minimal amounts, Union initiated the “Making U Possible Family Grants”. Grants range from $20,000 -$30,000 and are renewable for four years.
If you see yourself in a small liberal arts college, exploring many different disciplines and working directly with professors, then Union College may be the right fit for you! Take a virtual tour, sign up for an admissions event and follow Union on social media.