Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Illinois Tech

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and Illinois Institute of Technology, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Cooper Union, located in the heart of New York City, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 10%, while Illinois Tech, situated in Chicago, maintains a broader admissions policy with an acceptance rate of 60%. Both universities excel in different areas of study; Cooper Union is renowned for its programs in art, architecture, and engineering, while Illinois Tech is known for its strengths in engineering, computer science, and business. The student bodies at these institutions reflect their unique strengths, with Cooper Union's student body comprising 48% female and 52% male students, and Illinois Tech's student body consisting of 35% female and 65% male students. While Cooper Union boasts a higher graduation rate of 85%, Illinois Tech's graduation rate stands at 75%. To help you make

	Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art	Illinois Institute of Technology
Overview
Location	New York, New York	Chicago, Illinois
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.7%	66.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	$75
SAT range	N/A	1230 - 1410
ACT range	N/A	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		39.0%
Students submitting ACT score		20.0%
Total number of applicants	2,678	6,521
Total number of admissions given out	393	4,311
Admitted students who chose to enroll	210	505
Yield rate	53.4%	11.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$67,146	$67,790
Average net price	$20,757	$26,789
Tuition	$44,550	$48,670
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $6,842 Meal plan: $7,204
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $38,212	100.0% Average amount $40,370
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $4,814	46.0% Average amount $5,078
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $24,000	4.0% Average amount $16,758

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	876 Men 53.2% Women 46.8%	2,998 Men 67.5% Women 32.5%
Graduate students	60 Men 80.0% Women 20.0%	3,488 Men 59.8% Women 40.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	36.5%	N/A
International students	14.6%	37.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	170	1,722
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey California Florida Texas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Visual & Performing Arts Architecture	Engineering Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Business Architecture
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.4%	71.4%
Dropout rate	11.8%	26.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,818 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $19,405 Astronomy and Astrophysics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,379 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: N/A	Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,573 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $122,231 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,214 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $98,163 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,905 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $92,129 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,681 Year 2: $65,131 Year 3: $79,844 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,164 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $79,429 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,411 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $78,363 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,589 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $77,051 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,945 Year 2: $66,169 Year 3: $76,694 Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,733 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,314 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,785

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic focuses of Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

Cooper Union is renowned for its programs in architecture, art, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on design and a highly selective admissions process. Illinois Tech offers a broader range of programs, including engineering, science, architecture, design, humanities, and law. Illinois Tech is particularly strong in engineering and computer science, with a focus on technology and innovation.
How do the tuition costs compare between Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

Cooper Union has a unique tuition model. Historically, it offered full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students. While this has changed, Cooper Union still offers significant tuition assistance. Illinois Tech's tuition is generally higher than Cooper Union's, but it offers a variety of merit-based and need-based financial aid options to help offset the cost.
What is the typical student body size and campus environment like at each school?

Cooper Union has a much smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community and a highly personalized learning experience. Its campus is located in the East Village of New York City, providing students with access to a vibrant cultural and artistic scene. Illinois Tech has a larger student body, creating a more diverse campus environment. Its main campus is located in Chicago, offering students access to a major metropolitan area with numerous opportunities.
What are the strengths of the architecture programs at Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

Cooper Union's architecture program is highly regarded and extremely competitive, emphasizing design excellence and critical thinking. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum and its location in New York City. Illinois Tech's architecture program, rooted in the legacy of Mies van der Rohe, focuses on modernism and technology. It provides a strong foundation in architectural principles and design, with a focus on practical application and innovation.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Cooper Union's location in New York City provides unparalleled access to art galleries, museums, design studios, and professional opportunities. Students benefit from the city's cultural richness and networking possibilities. Illinois Tech's location in Chicago offers access to a major city with a thriving tech industry, diverse cultural attractions, and a more affordable cost of living compared to New York City.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

Graduates of both institutions are highly sought after by employers. Cooper Union graduates are well-prepared for careers in architecture, art, and engineering, often finding employment in prestigious firms and organizations. Illinois Tech graduates are in demand in various fields, particularly engineering, computer science, and technology, with opportunities in both established companies and startups. Both schools have strong career services to assist students with job placement.
What is the research focus at Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

While Cooper Union is primarily focused on undergraduate education, it offers opportunities for research, particularly in engineering. Illinois Tech has a strong research focus, with numerous research centers and institutes across various disciplines, including engineering, science, and technology. Students have ample opportunities to participate in research projects.
How do the admission requirements differ between the two universities?

Both universities are selective, but the specific requirements vary. Cooper Union is known for its highly competitive admissions process, often requiring portfolios for art and architecture applicants. Illinois Tech also has a competitive admissions process, considering academic performance, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and extracurricular activities. Both schools emphasize a holistic review of applicants.
What is the campus culture like at Cooper Union and Illinois Tech?

Cooper Union fosters a collaborative and creative environment, with a strong emphasis on design and artistic expression. The small size of the student body promotes close interaction among students and faculty. Illinois Tech has a more diverse campus culture, with a focus on innovation, technology, and community engagement. The university offers a wide range of student organizations and activities.
Which university is better suited for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or architecture?

If you are primarily interested in architecture, Cooper Union is an excellent choice due to its renowned program and location in New York City. For engineering, both schools are strong, but Illinois Tech offers a broader range of engineering disciplines and a larger research infrastructure. Consider your specific interests and career goals when making your decision.

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