Houghton University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Messiah University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (3,373 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Messiah 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 Messiah University ($21,274 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 13.3% lower than at Messiah University ($11,360 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 129.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $23,810 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129.2% higher at Messiah University than at Houghton University (about $23,810 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 168.4% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($26,576 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or Messiah 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 Messiah University and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Houghton University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Messiah University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Houghton University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Messiah 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $489 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($25,500 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.