Columbia vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Columbia vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia 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 Columbia ($21,274 vs. $22,520).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 35.4% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($11,360 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 289.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $53,415 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 289.8% higher at Columbia than at Houghton University (about $53,415 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 576.7% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($67,010 vs. $9,902).

Columbia vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia 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 Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 280 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Columbia 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: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia 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 Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Columbia vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia 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).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $63,300 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 76%)

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.