About

About Houghton University

faith based missionliberal arts collegesmall class sizeschristian community

Houghton University is a private liberal arts college in Houghton, NY, known for its faith based mission, liberal arts college, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 77%, Houghton University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 180 students each year. Houghton University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1110–1320, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Houghton University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,138 per year; the sticker price of $30,152 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Houghton University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

77%
Overall Accept Rate
1215
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1110 – 1320 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Houghton University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Houghton is a Christian liberal arts university where faith and learning are genuinely woven together, so use your essays to show how your own faith or values connect to your academic and personal goals. Admissions readers want to see that you understand and are drawn to this kind of community, not just that you are looking for a small college.
Demonstrated Interest
Houghton's campus in rural western New York is a distinctive environment, and visiting in person or attending a virtual info session signals that you have seriously considered whether this setting fits your lifestyle. Reach out to admissions directly after any visit or event, since a smaller school like Houghton notices when students engage personally.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Houghton University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$30k/yr$19.1k
30k-48k~$30k/yr$18.5k
48k-75k~$30k/yr$19.3k
75k-110k~$30k/yr$20.0k
110k+~$30k/yr$22.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

65%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$36k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
842
Undergrad Enrollment
Houghton University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch