What Is Union College?

Union College is a private liberal arts college in Schenectady, New York, defined by its deliberate integration of the liberal arts and engineering. If you are looking for a school where engineering students also study the humanities—or where liberal arts students can engage with technical fields—Union's structure and self-description are built around exactly that combination. The college describes itself as "more than a community," bringing together "the liberal arts and engineering" and "people with bright minds and courageous hearts."

The Core Identity: Liberal Arts + Engineering

Union's central positioning is stated directly in its own framing: it is a place where "things come together in ways that energize our community with opportunities for all." The name itself is treated as a statement of purpose—"True to our name."

This matters for prospective students because most U.S. colleges separate engineering from the liberal arts. Union presents the convergence of the two as its defining feature, not an add-on.

Academics at a Glance

The site stresses that "no matter your major(s)," students "dive into hands-on research alongside expert faculty." The phrasing "major(s)" signals that combining or pursuing multiple fields is normal here rather than exceptional.

Recognition Cited by the College

Union's own page highlights several third-party rankings and ratings:

• U.S. News and World Report "Best Colleges": #22 Engineering programs (non-doctoral); #13 early career earnings for graduates among liberal arts colleges
• Princeton Review "Featured Colleges": #1 Best Science Lab Facilities
• Money "Best Value" colleges: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Note that these figures appear as the college presents them, and some ranking lines repeat on the page. Treat them as the school's own cited evidence rather than independently verified current data.

Location and Student Life

Union is located in Schenectady, New York—described on the site as "The Electric City." The surrounding area is presented as blending "city energy and outdoor adventure," with restaurants, cafes, shops, theaters, and events, plus hiking, biking, and skiing within minutes of campus.

Student life centers on 130+ clubs and organizations, ranging from a beekeeping club and an off-road racing team to music festivals and movie nights. The stated aim is that "there's always something to do and someone to do it with."

Who This School Fits

Union's profile suits students who:

• Want engineering and liberal arts in the same undergraduate experience
• Expect to do research as an undergraduate, in a lab, archive, studio, or the field
• Value a residential community with a wide range of clubs and activities
• Are comfortable in a small-city setting with outdoor access nearby

If you want a strictly technical institute or a liberal arts college with no engineering, Union's core pitch is aimed elsewhere.

Next Steps

The college's page offers three direct actions: Request Info, Visit, and Apply. For current deadlines, costs, and program specifics, use those official channels—the homepage does not list pricing or admission requirements.