Union College

A spirit of interdisciplinary curiosity and hands-on discovery defines the intellectual life at Union College, where a distinctive integration of liberal arts and engineering empowers students to cross traditional academic boundaries and connect knowledge to real-world purpose. Founded in 1795 as the first college in the United States to have a planned campus, Union's approach fuses a rigorous liberal arts core with applied learning in the sciences and engineering, encouraging students to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving. This dynamic scholarly environment is anchored in Schenectady, New York, on a historic 100-acre campus designed by French architect Joseph Ramée, featuring the iconic Nott Memorial at its center. Within this close-knit community of approximately 2,000 undergraduates from 50 countries, leadership is forged through the Minerva House system, a network of seven residential hubs that bring together students from diverse academic interests and backgrounds for intellectual, social, and leadership programming.

Collaborative discovery is the hallmark of the Union experience, where the campus functions as a laboratory for undergraduate research, global engagement, and civic responsibility. Eighty percent of students participate in faculty-mentored research, and the college's trimester calendar provides flexibility for study abroad experiences that reach over 40 destinations in 30 countries. A supportive 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and meaningful intellectual exchange throughout the undergraduate journey. For international applicants, Union is need-aware in its admissions process, meaning that a family's ability to contribute is one factor considered during admission review. However, Union meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students who submit financial aid materials by published deadlines, and international students are eligible for both need-based aid and merit scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $46,000. Through this blend of historic tradition, interdisciplinary ambition, and practical rigor, Union graduates emerge ready to lead with versatility and global perspective.