Union College

Biography

Union College is a private liberal arts college in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and second in the state of New York, after Columbia College. In the 19th century, it became known as the "Mother of Fraternities", because three of the earliest Greek-letter fraternities were established there. Union began enrolling women in 1970, after 175 years as an all-male institution. The college offers a liberal arts curriculum across 21 academic departments, including ABET-accredited engineering degree programs.

Channel description

Union College is a highly selective, private, residential, liberal arts college with engineering that is consistently ranked among the nation's top colleges. Set on 100 acres in downtown Schenectady, N.Y., including eight acres of formal gardens and woodland known as Jackson's Garden, Union is within easy reach of New York City, Boston, Montreal, rural areas and outdoor recreation.

For more than two centuries, Union College has been defining—and continually redefining—what it means to provide a liberal arts education. Since 1795, we've been challenging convention, blurring boundaries and shaking up traditional thinking. We are inspired by a bold, enduring vision: Developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage, in ways large and small, now and across multiple tomorrows.

Quick Stats: 2050 students, 9:1 student-faculty ratio, trimesters.

Latest videos Channel ↗

• 01 53 Union College Commencement: Charge to the Class of 2026 from President Elizabeth Kiss Jun 17, 2026
• 02 75 John Kelly III '76: Union College Commencement Speaker 2026 Jun 17, 2026
• 03 98 Union College Commencement: Student Speaker Miyah Falk '26 Jun 17, 2026
• 04 924 What are you doing after graduation? 👀🎓 Jun 16, 2026
• 05 1.5K A Commencement tradition for the Class of 2026 🎓 Jun 14, 2026