Hybrid Model & New Programs

This is a section of Cooper Union's Financial FAQ. Click here to read the rest of the document.

What is the “Hybrid Model”?

The hybrid model entails fee-based programs that are academically exciting and that generate new net revenues that can subsidize the scholarships of our three core undergraduate programs. On April 24, 2012, President Bharucha issued a letter updating the community on the proposed hybrid framework and a decision to preserve full-tuition scholarships for the core undergraduate programs for the incoming classes of fall 2012 and fall 2013.  Members of the Revenue Task Force have recommended development of a hybrid model.

The idea was to preserve full-tuition scholarships, if possible, at the undergraduate level, while adding revenue-generating non-baccalaureate programs, including professional master’s and certificate programs, online programs, and other fee-based programs.

What about online programs?

The administration is open to considering online learning programs that would meet Cooper’s high standards of excellence.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.