Houghton University vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of the South is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,724 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Houghton University vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Sewanee? 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 Sewanee ($21,274 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 29.1% lower than at The University of the South ($11,360 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 204.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $37,690 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 204.5% higher at Sewanee than at Houghton University (about $37,690 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of the South students is 275.4% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($37,171 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 60 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Houghton University vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($196 vs. $263).
• More Sewanee 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.