Hamilton College vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Hamilton College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,031 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Hamilton College vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton 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 Hamilton College ($21,274 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 35.1% lower than at Hamilton College ($11,360 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 274.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $50,530 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 274.2% higher at Hamilton College than at Houghton University (about $50,530 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Hamilton College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 460.6% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($55,511 vs. $9,902).

Hamilton College vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 230 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Hamilton College 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: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Hamilton College vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $34,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $9,740 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($15,760 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($162 vs. $263).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.