Houghton University vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or U of R? 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 U of R ($21,274 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 42.6% lower than at University of Rochester ($11,360 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 264% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $48,650 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 264% higher at U of R than at Houghton University (about $48,650 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Rochester (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 359.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($45,500 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or U of R? 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 U of R and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 210 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming U of R students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; U of R - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Houghton University vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and U of R? 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 Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $26,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($253 vs. $263).
• More U of R graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.