How to get into The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
How to get into Cooper Union: hometest, portfolio, full-merit scholarship
20.7%
Acceptance rate
$46,820
In-state cost
What makes The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art admissions different
Cooper Union (NYC) admits in three small schools: Architecture (~30 admits/year), Art, and Engineering. Every admitted student gets at least a half-tuition scholarship; many get full. Admit rate ~21% overall but program-specific rates are much lower. The hometest (Art and Architecture) and portfolio are the binding constraints.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
For Art and Architecture: complete the Cooper-specific hometest. Take it seriously — it's the centerpiece of your application.
- 2.
For Engineering: strong calc, physics, and demonstrated math/science work matter most. The Cooper Engineering test was eliminated; standard application materials only.
- 3.
Apply by Cooper's deadlines — these are not Common App schools; their own portal is required.
- 4.
Write essays that show why Cooper specifically — the tuition mission, the NYC location, the small program scale.
- 5.
If you can, attend a Cooper info session or portfolio review.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Underestimating the hometest. It's not a formality.
- ✕
Applying for the wrong program. Each of the three schools has a different process.
- ✕
Assuming admission = full scholarship. Cooper provides at least 50% tuition; full scholarships are merit-based on a sliding scale.
The specifics for The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
What graduates actually do
Cooper Union's three schools (architecture, art, engineering) produce influential designers, artists, and engineers; until 2014 all admitted students attended tuition-free, and the college is gradually returning to that model. Alumni include Pulitzer-winning architects, MacArthur fellows, and Silicon Valley engineers. Median early-career earnings run around $65-75k per PayScale, driven by the engineering school. The Cooper Union network is particularly dense in NYC architecture and design firms.
Notable alumni
- Thomas Edison — inventor (attended)
- Daniel Libeskind — architect (9/11 Memorial master plan)
- Milton Glaser — graphic designer (I Heart NY logo)
- Eva Hesse — sculptor
- Russel Wright — industrial designer
- Vito Acconci — performance artist, architect
Transfer pathway
Cooper Union admits transfers in all three schools, though admission is highly competitive due to the small class size. Art and architecture transfers must submit portfolios; engineering transfers are evaluated on academic record and the Cooper Union application. Studio transfers rarely receive full credit for prior coursework due to Cooper's distinctive curriculum.
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Cooper's tiny class sizes make admission incredibly competitive. Portfolio-strong art/architecture applicants with strong academics, or genuinely accomplished engineering applicants, have a path.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.