The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, established in 1859, is a privately funded college in the Lower Manhattan district of New York City. Specifically, Cooper Union is located in the East Village, around Cooper Square and Astor Place (3rd Avenue & 6th-9th Streets). It is notable for being one of the few institutions of higher learning in the United States to offer a full-tuition scholarship to all of its students. The Cooper Union offers degree programs in architecture, fine arts, and engineering to nearly 900 students. In addition to the degree programs, Cooper Union offers continuing education courses to the public for a fee.

The Cooper Union is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 10-12%. With nearly 70% of accepted students coming to attend, it is also one of the most desired schools in the country. Cooper Union is currently conducting a comprehensive revision to its curricula and has proposed plans to change the usage of its real estate assets, so that it may continue to offer full-tuition scholarships to all accepted students.