Bard College vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bard College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Bard College vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College 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 Bard College ($21,274 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 39.7% lower than at Bard College ($11,360 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 260.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $48,006 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 260.5% higher at Bard College than at Houghton University (about $48,006 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 457.8% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($55,235 vs. $9,902).

Bard College vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College 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 Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 90 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Bard College 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: Bard College 1270/1450; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Bard College vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Houghton University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $694 lower median loan debt than Bard College graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,194).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bard College graduates ($263 vs. $270).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.