Houghton University vs. Carnegie Mellon

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Carnegie Mellon University 5:1.

Houghton University vs. Carnegie Mellon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon ($21,274 vs. $35,552).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 37.5% lower than at Carnegie Mellon University ($11,360 vs. $18,166).
• Carnegie Mellon University is 259.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $47,816 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 259.4% higher at Carnegie Mellon than at Houghton University (about $47,816 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Carnegie Mellon University (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students is 385.8% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($48,107 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Carnegie Mellon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is 270 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon 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: Houghton University 1170/1375; Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Carnegie Mellon University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Carnegie Mellon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Carnegie Mellon (11.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon.

Houghton University vs. Carnegie Mellon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Carnegie Mellon? 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).

• Carnegie Mellon University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $58,400 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($263 vs. $271).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.