Houghton University vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

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

Vassar College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,462 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Vassar College is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Vassar College 7:1.

Houghton University vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Vassar? 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 Vassar ($21,274 vs. $29,981).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 37.7% lower than at Vassar College ($11,360 vs. $18,240).
• Vassar College is 285.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $52,600 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 285.4% higher at Vassar than at Houghton University (about $52,600 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Vassar College (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 480.1% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($57,443 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 230 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Vassar students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Houghton University vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Vassar College earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $9,720 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($15,780 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($163 vs. $263).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.