The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

New York, NY · private nonprofit

Official site ↗

Admissions

Admit rate19.1%
Applicants
Middle-50% SAT1400–1520
Middle-50% ACT33–34
Avg GPA
Test policy
Avg net price / yr$16,478
Grad rate80%
Median earnings (10 yr)$83,847
Sourcescorecard_bulk · 2025

Application requirements

Regular / Rolling2026-01-05
Application fee$75 (US) · $75 (intl)
Personal essayRequired
Test policysometimes required
Teacher recommendations1
Counselor recommendationRequired
Mid-year reportRequired

Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.

Supplemental essays

  1. The Cooper Union is a small, highly specialized, and academically challenging school in New York City. Beyond these traits, what specific aspects of our community and resources excite you? In what ways are you inspired to contribute to and benefit from our learning community? (350 words)· ~350 words
  2. What drives your interest in pursuing your chosen major (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science)? How do you envision engaging with Cooper’s labs, research opportunities, and faculty? (350 words)· ~350 words
  3. If you were to give a 30-minute lecture on a specific topic to an audience, what would your topic be and why? Why does this topic interest you, and what do you want others to understand or appreciate about it? (250 words)· ~250 words
  4. Students often ask us how and where they can include additional information or documents. You may use this space to include a resume, a summary of notable accomplishments, activities, leadership roles, awards, a research abstract, a link to a digital portfolio, links to online projects/videos, etc. You may upload or type your response. Please limit the response to two pages. (800 words)· ~800 words

Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).