The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is a highly selective private college in Manhattan's East Village, renowned for its programs in engineering, architecture, and fine arts. With an enrollment under 1,000, it offers an intimate academic environment and provides a half-tuition scholarship to every admitted student. Its rigorous curriculum and New York City location attract talented students seeking a focused, studio- and lab-intensive education.
Notable Alumni
Milton Glaser (designed the I Love NY logo)•Thomas Edison (legendary inventor)•Augustus Saint-Gaudens (iconic American sculptor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Cooper Union is tiny (~900 undergrads), intensely rigorous, and sits in Manhattan's East Village — so 'the city is our campus' is both the social reality and the survival strategy when studio deadlines hit. There's no Greek life and no traditional campus social scene; students bond through shared suffering in architecture studios and engineering labs, then decompress in the surrounding NYC cultural institutions.
The Thom Mayne-designed 41 Cooper Square is a striking piece of avant-garde architecture, but the campus is essentially a few buildings in Manhattan's East Village with no traditional grounds to speak of.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Maintains 24/7 security presence in its compact urban campus. Serious criminal activity is rare; the small student body and controlled building access contribute to a secure environment.
The East Village is one of the safer Manhattan neighborhoods with vibrant street life providing natural surveillance. Standard NYC awareness recommended.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: During fall and spring semesters; not available on weekends, holidays, or during midterms/finals
Duration: 45-90 minutes depending on programs viewed
Registration and photo ID required for all guests. Group tours (10-30 people including chaperones) available. School-specific tours for Architecture, Art, and Engineering. Contact admissions@cooper.edu.
Book a TourThe Foundation Building and 41 Cooper Square are partially open to the public. The Great Hall has an informational exhibit outside its entrance. The Herb Lubalin Study Center of Design and Typography in 41 Cooper Square is a public resource.
Tour ResourcesOctober-November or March-April when classes are in session. The End of Year Show in May showcases student work across all three schools and is spectacular. Avoid weekends, holidays, and exam periods when tours aren't offered. Being NYC, there's always something nearby.
Do not drive -- there is no campus parking. Take the 6 train to Astor Place (steps from campus) or the N/R/W to 8th St-NYU. The L train to Third Avenue is also close. From airports: JFK via AirTrain + subway (~60 min), LaGuardia via M60 bus + subway (~45 min), Newark via PATH to Christopher St (~30 min). This is Manhattan -- walk, bike, or take transit.
Location
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