Union College, New York

Since 1795, Union College has been defining—and redefining—the meaning of a liberal arts education.

When the classics were considered the only acceptable field of study, Union introduced a bachelor's degree with an emphasis on history, modern languages, science and mathematics. We were the first liberal arts college in the nation to offer engineering. We created a new vision for campus life by establishing Minerva Houses, which bring student and faculty together outside the classroom for both social and academic activities. Union College, founded in 1795, is a scholarly community dedicated to shaping the future and to understanding the past.

Faculty, staff, and administrators welcome diverse and talented students into our community, work closely with them to provide a broad and deep education, and guide them in finding and cultivating their passions. We do this with a wide range of disciplines and interdisciplinary programs in the liberal arts and engineering, as well as academic, athletic, cultural, and social activities, including opportunities to study abroad and to participate in undergraduate research and community service. We develop in our students the analytic and reflective abilities needed to become engaged, innovative, and ethical contributors to an increasingly diverse, global, and technologically complex society.

At Union, we cultivate an environment that's as conducive to studying Shakespearean sonnets or neuroscience as it is to starting a new club or organizing a fundraiser for a community in need.

ore than 60 percent of Union students receive financial assistance. We understand that navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming to families. We strive to keep the process as simple as possible.

If at any time you have questions, our financial aid staff is available to help you. We encourage you to become as familiar as possible with the basic details pertaining to financial aid. The instructions and resources on this site will guide you through the procedures and help clarify types of financial aid, eligibility, forms and deadlines.

For more than two centuries, Union College has been defining—and continually redefining—what it means to provide a liberal arts education. Since 1795, we've been challenging convention, blurring boundaries and shaking up traditional thinking.

Union students enrich their understanding of other countries and challenge themselves academically and personally while studying abroad. Students who participate in one or more of our programs quickly learn to thrive at the intersections—of diverse cultures and communities, of other languages and customs, of learning about others and themselves.

Whether you’re exploring the marine ecology of Australia, delving into art and history in France, or using the temples and tombs of ancient Greece as a living laboratory, you’ll likely find that overseas studies will be one of your most memorable college experiences. Choosing from among more than 160 courses, students analyze the diverse character of the American experience, shaped by gender, race, class, geography and ethnicity. These experiences are studied within a context of global economic, cultural and political relations.

Union provides grants, impressive labs and arts facilities, and personal guidance to help students launch their research dreams. During the annual Steinmetz Symposium, more than 400 students show off their work on subjects from the fragility of coral reefs to French horror films.

Research happens every day in our state-of-the-art laboratories, of course, but you're just as likely to be in the darkroom, the dance studio, a local stream or a village across the globe. One of the great advantages of attending a small liberal arts college is the personal attention you're able to receive. We're highly invested in your success, which is why we offer a wide variety of programs, support services, resources and offices dedicated to ensuring that your academic experience is rewarding and meets your individual needs.

Advising at Union engages students in an interactive process with a faculty member to assist them in making informed choices that maximize the benefits of a liberal arts education. It has a developmental component requiring different approaches with students at different times in their academic careers. We believe a good advisor helps teach students independence, and we want you to feel confident and excited about your academic decisions.

Our Common Curriculum provides the breadth that defines a liberal arts education through requirements in linguistic and cultural competency, quantitative reasoning, and science and technology. The curriculum is designed to enable students to become lifelong learners by learning to analyze, synthesize, integrate and communicate effectively.

The first-year preceptorial, or "precept," emphasizes critical reading and thinking skills, writing, speaking and cultural diversity. All first-year students will take a precept course when they come to Union.

There are a number of on-campus services, resources and offices dedicated to ensuring you have what you need to feel successful and supported throughout your time at Union.

To say that Union has a strong culture of community outreach is an understatement. The College has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll five times, a reflection of a deep commitment to fostering a strong relationship with the local community.