Houghton University vs. Mary Washington College

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Mary Washington is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (3,826 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); University of Mary Washington is in Fredericksburg, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary Washington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; University of Mary Washington 13:1.

Houghton University vs. Mary Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College ($21,274 vs. $21,800).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 20.3% lower than at University of Mary Washington ($11,360 vs. $14,250).
• Houghton University is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mary Washington College (about $3,790 more per year; $18,430.00 vs. $14,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at Mary Washington College than at Houghton University (about $9,130 more per year; $27,560.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Mary Washington (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Mary Washington students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($10,491 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Mary Washington College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is the same as at Mary Washington College (1270).
• Incoming Mary Washington College 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; University of Mary Washington 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; University of Mary Washington 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Mary Washington College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mary Washington College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Mary Washington College (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 17.7% at Mary Washington College.

Houghton University vs. Mary Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Mary Washington 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).

• University of Mary Washington's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Mary Washington earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary Washington graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Mary Washington College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Mary Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.