Houghton University vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

Houghton University vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Penn? 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 Penn ($21,274 vs. $23,570).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 40.8% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($11,360 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 272.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $50,256 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 272.7% higher at Penn than at Houghton University (about $50,256 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 561.1% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($65,458 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 270 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Penn students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 68% at Penn.

Houghton University vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Penn? 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 Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $79,300 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $4,867 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($20,633 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($213 vs. $263).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.