The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
New York, NY
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
A historic NYC institution offering top-tier art, architecture, and engineering education.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, nestled in New York City's vibrant Manhattan, stands as a testament to visionary education. Founded in 1859 by industrialist Peter Cooper, this private college was revolutionary from its inception, built on the radical idea that an education of the highest caliber should be accessible to all who qualify, regardless of race, religion, sex, wealth, or social standing, and should be "open and free to all."
Today, Cooper Union continues its legacy of excellence through its three distinct schools: the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, the School of Art, and the Albert Nerken School of Engineering. These schools offer highly regarded undergraduate and master's degree programs exclusively in their specialized fields, complemented by a robust core curriculum in the humanities and social sciences. Students benefit from an intimate learning environment with around 800-900 peers and a dedicated faculty.
The institution is particularly noted for its unique approach to art education, offering a "generalist" BFA program that encourages students to explore various mediums rather than specialize early. The architecture program is NAAB accredited, emphasizing free debate and theoretical discourse. A defining aspect of the Cooper Union experience has been its commitment to affordability, historically offering full-tuition scholarships. While this practice evolved, the school has recently reaffirmed its commitment, with nearly half of its undergraduate students attending tuition-free, and a significant new initiative to provide tuition-free senior years for all students.
Prospective students seeking an rigorous, historically significant, and unique educational journey in the heart of New York City will find Cooper Union an inspiring choice. Its urban campus at Cooper Square and Astor Place provides an unparalleled backdrop for creative and intellectual growth, fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and diverse perspectives thrive.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper on the radical principle of education "open and free to all," independent of wealth or social status.
- ✦Comprised of three highly respected schools: Architecture, Art, and Engineering.
- ✦Known for its commitment to affordability, with nearly half of undergraduates attending tuition-free as of 2024.
- ✦Features a unique "generalist" Bachelor of Fine Arts program, emphasizing creative exploration over early specialization.
- ✦The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture offers a five-year NAAB accredited program with a focus on theoretical discourse.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of approximately $0.9 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
- ✦Located in an iconic historic landmark, the Foundation Building, in Manhattan, New York City.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
3 notable schools within The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture
Offers a five-year NAAB accredited program with a philosophical foundation committed to a "Social Contract" and free debate, drawing from historical influences like the Bauhaus school. Also offers a Master of Architecture II post-professional degree.
School of Art
Provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and a Certificate of Fine Arts. Known for its "generalist" approach, encouraging students to explore various departments and emphasizing creative and imaginative abilities over technical precision.
Albert Nerken School of Engineering
One of the three core schools at Cooper Union, offering undergraduate and master's degree programs exclusively in engineering, alongside a shared core curriculum in the humanities and social sciences.
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