The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded in 1859, is a prestigious specialized college in New York City offering programs in architecture, art, and engineering. Known for its historic commitment to full-tuition scholarships, Cooper Union provides an education 'equal to the best' regardless of financial means. The college's rigorous programs emphasize hands-on learning and creative problem-solving. Cooper Union's Foundation Building, a National Historic Landmark, houses advanced studios and laboratories.
The college's intimate scale fosters close collaboration between students and faculty. Cooper Union's Great Hall has hosted historic speeches by leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. Alumni include Nobel laureates, Pritzker Prize-winning architects, and pioneering artists who shape culture and technology. Cooper Union's blend of technical excellence and artistic vision continues its tradition of educating innovative thinkers and makers.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Acceptance Rate
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is 19.05%. This means that only 19 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, The Cooper Union considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Admission Requirements
The Cooper Union GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at The Cooper Union is 3.75. The Cooper Union is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.95-4.15 for this same academic profile.
If your GPA is between 3.45 and 3.75, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
The Cooper Union GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at The Cooper Union utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.75, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.55 – 3.74 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.35 – 3.54 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.34 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At The Cooper Union, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Average SAT Score: 1480
The average SAT score of the admitted students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is 1480 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1480 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1520 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1400, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at The Cooper Union.Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal, most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 750 | 720 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 710 | 680 | 740 |
| SAT Composite | 1480 | 1400 | 1520 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1400 then you are below most of the admitted students at The Cooper Union and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1520 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union) are good but the admission staff at The Cooper Union tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at The Cooper Union is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT English | 34 | 33 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 34 |
Can I get into The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a 34 ACT?
A 34 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 34 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.The Cooper Union Profile
Name: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union)
City: New York
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 10003-7120
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At The Cooper Union, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Can I Get Into The Cooper Union Without SAT Or ACT?: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Is a The Cooper Union degree Worth It?
Getting into The Cooper Union can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. The Cooper Union offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at The Cooper Union is $71,900 and unemployment rate is 3.78%.
How much does a degree from The Cooper Union Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is $67,088. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is much less than this.
27.92% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 20.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The Cooper Union and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist The Cooper Union as your choice in the form.
How much does a The Cooper Union Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is $83,847. An average The Cooper Union graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | Tulane University of Louisiana, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Bates College, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | University of Maryland-College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Babson College | Babson College, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale College, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ | 1447 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Brandeis University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1534 | 34 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Architecture
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mechanical Engineering
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $83,847 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $67,088 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: 27.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is 19.05% which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.75. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.45, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.45, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.45 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.35 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art if my GPA is below 3.45
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.75, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1480 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1400-1520
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
Last Updated: Wednesday March 18, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.