AU vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Houghton University 12:1.

AU vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Houghton University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Houghton University than AU ($21,274 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 36.8% lower than at American University ($11,360 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 218.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $40,341 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 218.9% higher at AU than at Houghton University (about $40,341 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 267.1% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($36,349 vs. $9,902).

AU vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Houghton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Houghton University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 100 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

AU vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Houghton University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from American University earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.