Colgate vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Colgate University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colgate University is located in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colgate University 9:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Colgate vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colgate 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 Colgate ($21,274 vs. $28,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 35.5% lower than at Colgate University ($11,360 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 281.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $51,876 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 281.5% higher at Colgate than at Houghton University (about $51,876 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Colgate University (100% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 489.1% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($58,334 vs. $9,902).

Colgate vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colgate 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 Colgate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 220 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 1430/1540; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colgate University 33/34; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colgate - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.7% at Colgate vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Colgate vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colgate 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).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $31,000 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $9,375 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($16,125 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($166 vs. $263).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.