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Syracuse University vs Union College

Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY. Union College is a private college in Schenectady, NY. Union College admits about 44% of applicants and Syracuse University about 46%, making Union College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $34,561 a year at Union College after aid, and about $38,793 at Syracuse University. About 83% of students graduate at Union College, compared with 82% at Syracuse University. Ten years after enrolling, Union College alumni earn a median of about $88,604, against $79,164 for Syracuse University.

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private

Union College

Schenectady, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Syracuse, NY
Schenectady, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,477
2,046
Acceptance rate
46%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1440
1310–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,793
$34,561
Full cost / yr
$84,517
$84,561
In-state tuition
$65,528
$69,039
Out-of-state tuition
$65,528
$69,039
Application fee
$85
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,817
$11,776
$30k - $48k
$15,845
$16,415
$48k - $75k
$21,132
$23,941
$75k - $110k
$28,780
$34,100
Over $110k
$55,401
$45,017
Outcomes
Graduation rate
82%
83%
Freshman retention
90%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,459
$63,219
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,164
$88,604
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$25,337
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
14%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
9%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Syracuse University or Union College harder to get into?
Union College is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 46% at Syracuse University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Syracuse University or Union College?
Union College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,561 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,793 at Syracuse University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Syracuse University and Union College?
Before aid, Syracuse University costs about $84,517 a year and Union College about $84,561. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Syracuse University or Union College?
Union College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,776 there, against about $15,817 at Syracuse University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Syracuse University or Union College?
Syracuse University is the larger of the two, with about 15,477 undergraduates against 2,046 at Union College.
Does Syracuse University or Union College have a better graduation rate?
Union College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 82% at Syracuse University.
Do graduates of Syracuse University or Union College earn more?
Union College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,604 ten years after enrolling, against about $79,164 for Syracuse University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Syracuse University and Union College require SAT or ACT scores?
Syracuse University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Union College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Syracuse University and Union College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1440 at Syracuse University and 1310–1480 at Union College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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