Houghton University vs. MSOE

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,953 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Milwaukee School of Engineering is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Milwaukee School of Engineering 12:1.

Houghton University vs. MSOE Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or MSOE? 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 MSOE ($21,274 vs. $25,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 18.8% lower than at Milwaukee School of Engineering ($11,360 vs. $13,984).
• Milwaukee School of Engineering is 173.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $32,050 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 173.9% higher at MSOE than at Houghton University (about $32,050 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University as at Milwaukee School of Engineering (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milwaukee School of Engineering students is 273.6% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($36,997 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. MSOE Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milwaukee School of Engineering (1280) is 10 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at MSOE).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Milwaukee School of Engineering 1160/1405.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Milwaukee School of Engineering 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; MSOE - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSOE Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman MSOE students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than MSOE (58.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 17.2% at MSOE.

Houghton University vs. MSOE Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and MSOE? 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 Milwaukee School of Engineering's (57%).
• Graduates from Milwaukee School of Engineering earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,900 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 MSOE graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MSOE graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More MSOE graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.