LITTLE IVY · SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK
Union College
Our Little Ivy choice.
3-course focus. Engineering/STEM.
Union College brings liberal arts and Engineering/STEM together on its undergraduate campus in Schenectady, New York. This guide explores Union’s academic approach and how it compares with Dartmouth College and the Ivy League.
Compare Union & other colleges
Is Union College in the Ivy League?
No. Union College is not one of the eight Ivy League members. It is the Little Ivy choice in this guide. “Little Ivy” is an informal label, rather than an athletic conference or an official membership category.
Dartmouth College is an Ivy League member. Comparing the two can help students explore different college settings while considering academic systems and Engineering/STEM options.
Union’s 3-course academic focus
Union organizes its academic year into fall, winter, and spring terms. Its academic overview describes three courses each term, creating opportunities to concentrate on a smaller set of subjects at a time.
Union encourages students to connect disciplines through majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs. A student interested in technical study can also explore the humanities, arts, or social sciences as part of a broader liberal arts education.
Use the academic calendar to understand term dates, then work with an advisor on prerequisites and degree requirements. Individual program plans determine the courses and credits needed each term.
Official sources: Union academics · Academic calendar · Majors and minors
Engineering/STEM on one campus
Union combines technical study with a liberal arts setting. Its undergraduate Engineering/STEM environment includes teaching and research laboratories, project spaces, and opportunities to work with faculty.
Studying within one campus community can help students maintain relationships with mentors and classmates while participating in academic and residential life. Explore the requirements for your intended major before deciding which degree path fits your goals.
Start with the program
Compare the curriculum, laboratory courses, and project opportunities in your field. Discuss course sequencing and study-abroad plans with an academic advisor so that your plan fits your chosen degree.
Union’s Engineering/STEM programs · Program advising and degree planning
Dartmouth & Union College
Dartmouth is our Ivy League counterpart; Union is our Little Ivy choice. Both offer a 3-course focus and Engineering/STEM on one campus.
Compare their degree paths carefully. Dartmouth’s AB and professional BE have different requirements; Union’s requirements depend on the selected program. Read the official degree information alongside each college’s campus and academic offerings.
An independent College IS guide based on the official sources linked above. Updated October 8, 2026. College IS is not affiliated with Union College, Dartmouth College, or the Ivy League.