Cornell vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 1,200 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Cornell vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell 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 Cornell ($21,274 vs. $26,361).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 41.5% lower than at Cornell University ($11,360 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 276.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $50,884 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 276.1% higher at Cornell than at Houghton University (about $50,884 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Cornell University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 523.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($61,779 vs. $9,902).

Cornell vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Houghton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Houghton University and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 270 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Cornell University 1500/1570; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Cornell University 33/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Cornell students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Cornell vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Houghton University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $54,100 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($12,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($124 vs. $263).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.