Houghton University vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Union University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Union University? 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 University ($21,274 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 11.1% lower than at Union University ($11,360 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 117.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $21,595 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117.2% higher at Union University than at Houghton University (about $21,595 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 204.2% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($30,120 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 10 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Houghton University vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Houghton University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $660 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($24,840 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($256 vs. $263).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 66%)

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.