Houghton University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 1,200 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Houghton University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or RPI? 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 RPI ($21,274 vs. $38,887).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 37.3% lower than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($11,360 vs. $18,120).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 247.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $45,651 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 247.7% higher at RPI than at Houghton University (about $45,651 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 339.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($43,517 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or RPI? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between RPI and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 170 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming RPI students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Houghton University 1170/1375; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Houghton University 26/31; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman RPI students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than RPI (63.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Houghton University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and RPI? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $38,200 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($263 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.