Amherst vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Amherst College in Amherst, MA with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Amherst College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,914 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Amherst College 6:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Amherst vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Amherst 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 Amherst College than Houghton University ($19,049 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 38.2% lower than at Amherst College ($11,360 vs. $18,390).
• Amherst College is 282.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $52,050 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 282.4% higher at Amherst than at Houghton University (about $52,050 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Amherst College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 592.7% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($68,591 vs. $9,902).

Amherst vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Amherst 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 Amherst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 270 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Amherst students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 1490/1580; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Amherst College 33/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Amherst - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Amherst Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Amherst vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Amherst vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Amherst 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).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $37,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $12,525 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($12,975 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($134 vs. $263).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.