Private liberal arts college in Schenectady, NY. It was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and second in the state of New York, after Columbia College (formerly King's College).

In the 19th century, it became known as the "Mother of Fraternities", as three of the earliest Greek letter societies were established there. The school was once referred to as one of the "Big Four" alongside Harvard University, Yale University and Princeton University.

The college offers a liberal arts curriculum across 21 academic departments, as well as opportunities for interdepartmental majors and self-designed organizing theme majors. It offers a wide array of courses in the humanities, social sciences, arts, sciences, literature, and foreign languages. The school is distinguished among liberal arts colleges by also offering ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees in computer engineering, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. About 60% of Union students engage in some form of international study or study abroad.

Union began enrolling women in 1970, after 175 years as an all-male institution.