Union College

Union College of Schenectady, New York, is a non-denominational, independent, selective liberal arts college in New York's Capital District. It was chartered in 1795, though the college can trace its beginnings to 1779. Several hundred residents of northern New York, certain that Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga two years before would mean a new nation, began the first popular demand for higher education in America. These residents pursued that dream for sixteen years until, in 1795, Union became the first college chartered by the Regents of the State of New York. It was also a founding member of the NESCAC, before withdrawing its membership in the late 1970s. Additionally, the college did not allow women admission until 1970. The college, along with every Ivy League and NESCAC university or college at the time had a quota on the number of blacks, Jews, and Catholics granted admission.

During the third quarter of the 19th century there was a loss in student enrollment. Union College had to rebuild and redefine itself after that period. Today, Union College offers many programs encompassing the liberal arts and sciences as well as engineering. Nearly fifty percent of the students are enrolled in science or engineering. The current student body is about 2200, almost evenly split between males and females....