Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Haverford, PA & New York, NY
When students choose between The Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art and Haverford College, they're choosing between two prestigious but fundamentally different educational paths. Cooper Union, the renowned engineering and arts school in Manhattan's East Village, costs $8,732 less per year than Haverford's liberal arts program in suburban Philadelphia.
The data reveals that Cooper Union's specialized focus translates to both lower costs and higher median earnings — a rare combination in higher education.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$13,621
federal loans
$15,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$40,000
borrowed by parents
$17,804
borrowed by parents
Cooper Union is predominantly engineering-focused, with 61% of graduates earning degrees in engineering fields and 31% in arts. The largest programs include Fine and Studio Arts (61 graduates), Electrical Engineering (37), and Mechanical Engineering (28).
Haverford has a more balanced liberal arts mix: 27% Social Sciences, 13% STEM fields. Haverford's top programs include Economics (38 graduates), Biology (33), and Political Science (28).
This fundamental program difference shapes career trajectories and explains the earnings patterns between institutions.
For students drawn to engineering or fine arts, Cooper Union delivers higher earnings at significantly lower cost — a compelling financial advantage. Haverford offers the classic liberal arts experience with stronger completion rates and broader academic exploration, making it the better choice for students seeking intellectual breadth over technical specialization.
The data points to Cooper Union as the stronger financial value, but the right choice depends fundamentally on your academic interests and career goals. If you're committed to engineering or visual arts, Cooper Union's specialized excellence at a lower price is hard to beat.
For students exploring diverse interests or planning graduate study, Haverford's liberal arts foundation may justify the premium.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
