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Houghton University

Houghton, NY·Private nonprofit·867 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 867 students.

93%
Accept
867
Students
$21,148
Net Price
65%
Grad Rate
$42,400
Earnings
10 yr
$20,313
Debt

About This School

Houghton University is a private nonprofit institution located in Houghton, New York with approximately 867 undergraduate students enrolled. Houghton University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,148 per year. The graduation rate is 65%, and the typical graduate earns $42,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Houghton University is a private Christian liberal arts college in Houghton, New York, United States. Houghton was founded in 1883 by Willard J. Houghton and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Houghton serves roughly 1000 students and has 54 degree majors for primarily undergraduate students.

This small Christian liberal arts college in rural western New York is worth considering if you're looking for a faith-integrated education with a tight-knit community and a manageable debt load — graduates leave with a median of just $20,313 in debt, which is relatively low. That said, the 65% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning roughly 1 in 3 students who start here don't finish, and median earnings of $42,400 a decade out suggest limited financial upside for most graduates. It's a good fit for students who prioritize the Wesleyan Christian environment and small-school community over career earnings or prestige.

Founded
1883
Setting
Remote rural

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences15%
Business & Marketing15%
Education10%
Psychology9%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Social Sciences3%
Communications3%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Deborah L. BirxIra S. BowenA. W. TozerGeorge Beverly Shea

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1297
Reading 75th %ile700
Math 75th %ile690

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$17,290
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,290
Avg Net Price
$21,148
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$20,313

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
65%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,313
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,313
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White75%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino2%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (867 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Houghton University

1 Willard Ave

Houghton, NY 14744

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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