Houghton University vs. Oberlin

Comparable Facts

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

Oberlin College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,909 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. Oberlin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Oberlin? 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 Oberlin ($21,274 vs. $51,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 41.8% lower than at Oberlin College ($11,360 vs. $19,510).
• Oberlin College is 265.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $48,936 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 265.5% higher at Oberlin than at Houghton University (about $48,936 more per year; $67,366.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Oberlin College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oberlin College students is 261.3% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($35,780 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Oberlin Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oberlin College (1440) is 170 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Oberlin students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Oberlin College 1360/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Oberlin College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Oberlin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oberlin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oberlin students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Oberlin (34.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 19.5% at Oberlin.

Houghton University vs. Oberlin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Oberlin? 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).

• Oberlin College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Houghton University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Oberlin graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,079 lower median loan debt than Oberlin graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,579).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oberlin graduates ($263 vs. $274).
• More Oberlin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.