QUICK ANSWER
By published numbers, Cooper Union is harder to get into, but the comparison is uneven. Cooper Union admitted 16.4% of all first-year applicants entering in 2025 (363 of 2,219), across art, architecture and engineering. Parsons does not publish its own rate; federal data show 63.47% for The New School as a whole. Cooper also sets its own Hometest of six visual and ten written prompts, while Parsons asks for 8–12 portfolio pieces and two essays.
On cost the picture flips: every Cooper admit receives a half-tuition scholarship of $22,275 a year, and in our record Parsons funded 60% of admits.
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Side by Side
| Cooper Union | Parsons | |
|---|---|---|
| Published admission rate | 16.4% (all first-years, entering 2025) | Not published for Parsons; The New School 63.47% |
| Application | Portfolio 15–20 works plus Hometest (6 visual, 10 written prompts) | Portfolio 8–12 pieces plus two 300–400-word essays |
| Dates | ED: apply December 1, Hometest December 7–January 5; RD: January 5 | See Parsons’ current pages |
| Funding | Half-tuition for every admit ($22,275 a year); goal of tuition-free by 2028–29 | Merit considered automatically; 38 of our 63 admits funded (60%) |
From Cooper Union institutional statistics and admissions pages, The New School data and Parsons How to Apply page, checked September–October 2026.
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Which Is “Harder” for a Given Student?
Cooper’s Hometest suits students who can respond quickly to set prompts in images and English writing. Parsons looks for a coherent portfolio and a well-researched second essay about its programme. A student strong in ideas and writing may find Cooper the better fit; a student with a developed body of work may find Parsons more reachable.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Our record has no Cooper Union acceptances to report, so we give no figure. See the Cooper Union guide and Parsons for Korean students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cooper Union harder to get into than Parsons?
By published numbers yes: 16.4% for Cooper (all first-years, 2025); Parsons publishes no separate rate.
What is the Cooper Union Hometest?
Six visual and ten written prompts answered during a set window after applying.
Is Cooper Union free?
Every admit gets half tuition, $22,275 a year; Cooper plans to be tuition-free by 2028–29.
Does Parsons fund international students?
Parsons considers merit automatically; 60% of our Parsons admits were funded.
How many portfolio pieces does each want?
Cooper 15–20; Parsons 8–12.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student, including 63 at Parsons. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From Cooper Union institutional statistics, admissions and affordability pages, The New School admissions data and Parsons How to Apply page. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked September–October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Cooper Union Guide · Parsons for Korean Students · Hardest Art Schools · Parsons Application · Royal Blue Results