EC vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Houghton University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (1,200 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmira College is located in Elmira, NY (Small City setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmira College 11:1; Houghton University 12:1.

EC vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EC 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 EC ($21,274 vs. $23,682).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 21.9% lower than at Elmira College ($11,360 vs. $14,550).
• Elmira College is 111.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $20,546 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.5% higher at EC than at Houghton University (about $20,546 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmira College students is 190.6% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($28,780 vs. $9,902).

EC vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EC 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 EC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 30 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 1090/1385; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 26/29; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EC - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Houghton University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at EC (3.22).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than EC (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at EC vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

EC vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EC 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).

• Houghton University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Elmira College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 72%)

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.