All schools
PrivateRural

Houghton University

Houghton, New York 14744

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Sciences-focusedTight-knitRuralGreek life

Known for biology — close-knit campus

Houghton University is a private institution in Houghton with particular strength in biology and business. With an average SAT of 1297, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A small campus of 867 undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.

65% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $46,721 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,148.

Established
1883
Motto
Founded on the Rock
Type
Private college
Division
Division III

Plan Your Visit

93%Acceptance
1297SAT Avg
867Students
13:1Student:Faculty
65%Grad Rate
$46,721Earnings 10yr
$21,148Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate92.7%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1297

Reading & WritingMid: 600
600700
MathMid: 585
580690

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2328

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Financial Aid

Pell Grant eligible
34%
First-generation
17%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$17,290
Room & Board$10,810
Books & Supplies$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance$29,287
Average Net Price$21,148
Median Debt at Graduation$25,250
Monthly Payment (10yr)$268

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$17,213
$30–48K$17,292
$48–75K$20,133
$75–110K$22,275
$110K+$25,436

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

44.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

-5.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$20,313

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

5

Peer Average

3

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

1

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

2

Drug Arrests

1

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Student-faculty ratio
13:1

Programs (45)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

77%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
867
Gender Split
67% / 33%
Women / Men
First Generation
17%
Pell Grant Recipients
34%

Race & Ethnicity

White 75%
Black 6%
Hispanic 2%
Asian 2%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 6%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate64.7%
Freshman Retention77.0%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$36,376
10 Years$46,721

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#19
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History Houghton University began in 1883 as Houghton Seminary, a coeducational high school founded by Willard J.
  • In 1899, the first few college classes were offered.
  • Luckey was appointed president in 1908 and Houghton College received its provisional charter from New York in 1923.
  • A permanent charter was granted in 1927, and accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools came in 1935.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

139Very High

Estimated from NY state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Pittsburghpop. 300K
167 mi(289 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
231 mi(400 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
245 mi(425 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

BUF Buffalo Niagara46 mi
ROC Rochester54 mi
SYR Syracuse Hancock114 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA362 mi · ~10h 27m drive
New York, NY245 mi · ~7h 5m drive
Hartford, CT285 mi · ~8h 14m drive
Providence, RI348 mi · ~10h 3m drive
Albany, NY224 mi · ~6h 28m drive
Syracuse, NY111 mi · ~3h 12m drive
Rochester, NY58 mi · ~1h 41m drive
Buffalo, NY49 mi · ~1h 25m drive
Philadelphia, PA231 mi · ~6h 40m drive
Pittsburgh, PA167 mi · ~4h 49m drive
Harrisburg, PA163 mi · ~4h 43m drive
Newark, NJ237 mi · ~6h 51m drive
Trenton, NJ234 mi · ~6h 46m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Houghton University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications