Houghton University vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Puget Sound is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Houghton University vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound ($21,274 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 31.1% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($11,360 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 241.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $44,468 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241.3% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Houghton University (about $44,468 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 255.3% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($35,179 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 10 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound 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 Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Puget Sound students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Houghton University vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and University of Puget Sound? 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 Puget Sound's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 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 University of Puget Sound graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound 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.