About

See what students say:

Academics

A truly unique New York City institution, Cooper Union provides grants covering more than half tuition to all students (as well as additional need-based aid). Degree programs focus on art, architecture, or engineering. Academics are "very rigorous, although consistent and achievable with the resources provided," and students are very driven in achieving their coursework, "especially with major projects that offer them a great deal of academic freedom to create their own content." Students are pushed "to achieve the most in a short amount of time" and are well aware of the value they are getting relative to "cost of tuition and good job placement after graduating."

Professors are "generally very knowledgeable in their subject area" and "you're not that likely to have the same professor over and over again," making for a diverse learning experience. The "very focused" engineering program "sets you up to be a functioning member of the engineering community and workforce": "Even as a sophomore I have had the opportunity to take (and understand) graduate level material," says one student. The art school "constructs an art curriculum around the individual practice," and the "caliber of art teachers is unbelievable," with professors that "have exhibited at the MOMA and Guggenheim, just to name a few." Students from all major programs mix in the required humanities courses. Though the school's 2009 addition of a new academic building (housing the engineering and art programs, and bringing the total up to two) increased visibility, the building is "chronically short on space due to its atrium," and the school "could use more classrooms to work with." The academic prestige of the school attracts a high standard all around, and art, architects, and engineers come together "to create a rich environment for scholarly thinking, problem solving, learning, and debate."

Student Body

Students at the Cooper Union are "generally stressed and hardworking, but high-spirited." Most are "socially and politically left"; "almost everyone is pretty friendly," and finds their niche within the "small but complex community." These "highly intelligent...and helpful" students are there to succeed, and "school work is valued over social interaction." Many students have part-time jobs, and "the level students are at and their work ethic makes you feel like the people here are destined for success." This "strange and ambitious" group "excels in their field doing extra activities that they don't need to because of the curiosity and fun." "Everyone has their own thing that makes them tick," says a student.

Campus Life

Aside from classes, students have "ample opportunity to explore New York City" due to "the abundance of safe public transit and places of interest." The campus is in the heart of the East Village and accessible by two subway lines, so students "will often visit local offcampus businesses such as restaurants, stores, and gyms." The "limited on-campus food service," combined with the availability of stovetops in the residence hall, "encourages students to cook their own food when time permits." Meeting areas within the campus are utilized "for both group study and recreational uses," and the small campus (just two buildings) means students are "always near each other ready to chat and grab a coffee for a little break." The school "requires a lot of time to study in order to pass the courses" and "the life is packed"; many take to a bar on weekends or partake in "healthier activities like the gym; sports or video games (not as healthy) are also stress-management mechanisms."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Nicole Garvin
Admissions Manager and Visit Coordinator

Address
Office of Admissions
30 Cooper Square, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003

Phone
2123534120

Email
admissions@cooper.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Great Hall
41 Cooper Square
Foundation Building
Houghton and 41 Cooper Square Gallery
Frankie's Kitchen

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Restaurants
Clubs
Galleries
Museums
Theater
We are located in the east village, the epicenter of experimental art movements, influential music scenes and important social activism.

Campus Tours

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Advance Notice
3 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
eric.conley@cooper.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Other

Limitations
space

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is located in New York's East Village and can be reached conveniently by car, bus and subway. By auto: From the West Side of upper Manhattan, Cooper Union is best reached by driving south on the West Side Highway to 56th Street and continuing south on 12th Avenue (which becomes West Street). At 12th Street, turn left and take 12th Street to Third Avenue. Turn right on Third and drive to Cooper Square, which begins at 7th Street. From the East Side of Manhattan, Cooper Union is best reached by taking the East River Drive to Houston Street. Take Houston Westbound to Bowery. Turn right (north) on Bowery and drive to Cooper Square, which begins at 7th Street. By bus: Take any of the following buses and ask the driver to let you off nearest Astor Place or Cooper Square: The M1 (5th and Madison Avenues), the M15 (First and Second Avenues), the M6 (7th Avenue/Broadway and Avenue of the Americas), the M101 or M102 (Third and Lexington Avenues). By subway: Take the R or W (BMT Lines) subway to 8th Street, or take the No. 6 (IRT Lexington Avenue Local) to Astor Place. By air: Taxi service to Cooper Union is available from LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports in New York and from Newark Airport in New Jersey. Bus service to Grand Central Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, both in Manhattan, is available from all airports.

Driving Instructions to Campus
By Car From the East Side, use the FDR Drive and take Exit 5 (Houston Street). Take Houston Street westbound to Lafayette Street. Turn right (north) on Lafayette, and drive to Astor Place. Turn right on Astor Place and drive one block to Cooper Square. From the West Side, take the West Side Highway to the 14th Street exit. Turn left onto 14th Street to 3rd Avenue and make a right. Take 3rd Avenue to Cooper Square, which begins at 7th Street. Please Note: The Cooper Union does not have designated visitor parking. Limited street parking is available, as well as several nearby parking garages where you can expect to pay approximately $8-10/half hour.

Local Accommodations
see link below

Admissions

Applicants: 2,678
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Average HS GPA: 3.74







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