Union College
Schenectady, New York · Private
Union College admitted 43% of 9,246 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1320–1470 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 85% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Union College
Enter a score to see whether Union College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (43%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Union College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Union College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a counselor recommendation. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Union College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 49% (181 of 370), compared with 43% for all applicants.
Union College offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
322 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 131 took it, and 106 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Union College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
Important
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Considered
- Interview
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.70 GPA. 59% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $84,870 a year. After grants, students paid $42,884 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Union College’s acceptance rate?
Union College admitted 43% of applicants: 4,015 of 9,246 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Union College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Union College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1320 to 1470, with a median around 1390. A score at or above 1390 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Union College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Union College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Union College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a counselor recommendation.
Does Union College have supplemental essays?
No. Union College has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Union College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Union College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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