Cost & Financial Aid
A Commitment to Making a Union Education Accessible
Our Value
A Union education is an investment in the future. An educational leader and innovator since 1795, Union is one of the nation’s top liberal arts schools, noted for its close-knit community of outstanding faculty and students, with unique opportunities in research, the sciences, international education, multidisciplinary studies, community service and residential life. As thousands of accomplished Union alumni can attest, the rich educational experience that Union offers yields benefits for a lifetime.
Our Commitment
We believe that it is each family’s responsibility to fund their children’s education according to their means. But we also recognize that paying for an exceptional education is a challenge for many, especially during these difficult economic times, and that it is one of the most significant expenditures you will make. We have a longstanding tradition of making a Union College education affordable for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background. We are committed to admitting an economically diverse student body and to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students.
As we continue to invest our aid resources in the talented, promising students who have been admitted to the College, we work with each family individually to help them plan for their child’s education.
The actual cost of a Union education, under our need-based aid policy, will vary from family to family depending on their financial circumstances. Those families who are not able to pay full tuition and fees are covered by a financial aid package consisting of a grant, loan and work opportunity.
Your child’s educational future means a lot to you – and to us. We look forward to working with you to fully explore all of the financial options at your disposal to make a Union education possible.
Our Resources
Union administers a comprehensive financial aid program that includes resources from federal, state, institutional and other agencies. Financial aid awards are made without discrimination as to sex, race, national origin, handicap or religious belief.
During the 2008-2009 academic year, the College will administer more than $40 million. More than $30 million will come directly from Union College in the form of scholarships and grants, loans and part-time employment. We will administer another $9 million in federal funds through various grants, loans and employment programs, and approximately $1.2 million from New York state programs.
Financial Aid by the Numbers
- About half of all applicants apply for financial aid.
- 64 percent of all students receive financial assistance.
- The average Union College scholarship is $20,800.
- The average individual total aid award is $25,400.