Houghton University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

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

Swarthmore College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,623 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Houghton University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Swarthmore? 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 Swarthmore ($21,274 vs. $22,469).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 44.1% lower than at Swarthmore College ($11,360 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 255.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $47,064 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 255.4% higher at Swarthmore than at Houghton University (about $47,064 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Swarthmore College (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 522.4% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($61,634 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 260 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Houghton University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Swarthmore College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($201 vs. $263).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.