The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, commonly known as Cooper Union, is a private college located at 7 East 7th Street in the East Village of Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper, it was established on the principle of providing an education “open and free to all,” regardless of race, religion, sex, wealth, or social status. It is a vibrant college and really well regarded. It hopes to be completerly free by 2029!
 
Interesting facts....
The Foundation Building, completed in 1858, was once the tallest building in Manhattan and featured one of the world’s first elevator shafts—designed before elevators were even in common use