Houghton University vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Union College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Union College? 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 Union College ($21,274 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 33.2% lower than at Union College ($11,360 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 274.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $50,609 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 274.6% higher at Union College than at Houghton University (about $50,609 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 329.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($42,534 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 130 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Union College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union College students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Houghton University vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Union College? 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $29,900 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 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 Union College graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.