Union Institute & University closed in 2024 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Union Institute & University
Tuition per year
$14,330
$25,838 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Union Institute and University (UI&U) is a distinguished institution dedicated to providing accessible higher education to diverse populations while promoting innovative learning experiences. Founded in 1964, the university specializes in nontraditional education models, offering flexible programs tailored for adult learners. One of its key features is the emphasis on individualized learning pathways that support students in achieving their academic and professional goals. The university’s commitment to experiential learning is evident in its programs that often incorporate real-world applications and community engagement, preparing graduates for meaningful careers.
The campus culture at Union Institute and University is characterized by a strong sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. The institution fosters a supportive learning environment with a focus on social responsibility and civic engagement, encouraging students to apply their knowledge for the betterment of society. UI&U prides itself on its faculty, who are not only educators but also experienced professionals in their respective fields, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. The university offers various programs in fields such as psychology, education, and health sciences, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that is both relevant and impactful, leading to successful employment outcomes in their chosen careers.
Undergraduate tuition reached $14,330 in 2024, reflecting an accessible price point compared to many private universities. Academic completion metrics indicate that degree progress moves at a measured pace. In 2023, the four-year graduation rate stood at 25%, while the six-year graduation rate reached 37.5%. This gap indicates that a substantial proportion of completing students take beyond four years to finish their studies, which can impact total educational expenses over time. Meanwhile, the university maintained a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, pointing to small classroom environments relative to faculty staffing. For families considering educational value, the modest list tuition must be weighed against completion trajectories. Prospective students evaluating the program should plan their degree timelines carefully to manage both direct academic fees and the living costs associated with extended enrollment periods.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Cincinnati
- Nearest international airport
- Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), about 10 mi
- Also known as
- Union, UI&U
- President
- Karen Schuster Web (President)
- Phone
- 8008616400
- City
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Address
- 2090 Florence Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Rankings & Admission
Best #298, lowest #299, latest #299 over the last ten years.
Data insights
In the U.S. News rankings, Union Institute and University occupied position 298 in 2021 before moving to rank 299 in 2022. This ranking shift represented a downward movement of 1 position, corresponding to an overall change of 0.3 percent across that evaluation cycle. Placing near the lower boundary of evaluated institutions reflects a limited academic profile within national university tables. Institutional momentum has remained essentially flat, showing minimal variance in comparative standing across consecutive years. For prospective applicants analyzing admissions competitiveness, the university has demonstrated little upward progress to elevate its academic standing among peer institutions. Families evaluating this educational pathway should understand that holding rank 299 signals lower competitive positioning across national benchmarks. When planning an application, students must carefully balance institutional trajectory and educational reputation against their individual academic aspirations, recognizing that stagnant rankings suggest minimal expansion in academic recognition.
Cost
2024 cost per year
$25,838
- Undergraduate tuition
- $14,330
- Room and board
- $11,508
- Graduate tuition
- $17,270
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 18% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 0%.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati · 1.2 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Xavier UniversityCincinnati · 2.4 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Miami University-OxfordOxford · 29.7 mi
U.S. News #133
-
University of DaytonDayton · 46.2 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Earlham CollegeRichmond · 53.5 mi
Liberal Arts #83
-
University of KentuckyLexington · 74.6 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Ball State UniversityMuncie · 89.2 mi
U.S. News #227
-
University of LouisvilleLouisville · 92.3 mi
U.S. News #179
-
University of IndianapolisIndianapolis · 96.4 mi
U.S. News #288
Data insights
Families exploring higher education opportunities can examine several institutions across the broader region. University of Maine is a National University ranked 262 in the 2027 rankings, located approximately 5,187 kilometers away. Prospective students considering liberal arts colleges can evaluate Colby College, which holds the 22nd position among Liberal Arts Colleges, or Bowdoin College, ranked 3rd in the Liberal Arts College classification. In addition, University of New England offers an alternative National University option with a rank of 262. Reviewing these distinct institutions helps applicants evaluate varied collegiate models, from selective liberal arts colleges to comprehensive research universities.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Data insights
Campus safety records indicate that Union Institute and University maintained a Forward Pathway weighted crime rate per 1,000 students of 0 from 2012 through 2021. Throughout the multi-year reporting period spanning 2019 to 2021, category totals reflect 0 recorded incidents across major reporting classifications, including criminal offenses, violence against women violations, arrest actions, and disciplinary referrals. A weighted crime rate of 0 per 1,000 students over this extended timeframe points to an absence of recorded safety violations across campus operational spaces. Families reviewing safety records can note that documented campus incidents remained at zero during the reported years.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Union Institute & University include Portia Simpson-Miller (Former Prime Minister of Jamaica), Clarissa Pinkola Estés (Writer and Jungian analyst, author of Women Who Run with the Wolves) and Rita Mae Brown (Feminist writer, author of Rubyfruit Jungle).
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Portia Simpson-Miller 1945–
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
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Clarissa Pinkola Estés 1945–
Writer and Jungian analyst, author of Women Who Run with the Wolves
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Rita Mae Brown 1944–
Feminist writer, author of Rubyfruit Jungle
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Danny K. Davis 1941–
U.S. representative for Illinois's 7th district
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Arnold Mindell 1940–2024
Author and therapist in transpersonal psychology
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Tania Aebi 1966–
Sailor who solo circumnavigated the globe by age 21
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Sidney Harman 1918–2011
Engineer, businessman and philanthropist
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James Patterson Lyke 1939–1992
Catholic archbishop of Atlanta
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Bernie Krause 1938–
Musician and soundscape ecologist
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.