Lake Forest College vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Lake Forest College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,837 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Lake Forest College vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College or Houghton University? 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 Lake Forest College ($21,274 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 10.6% lower than at Lake Forest College ($11,360 vs. $12,700).
• Lake Forest College is 206% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $37,972 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 206% higher at Lake Forest College than at Houghton University (about $37,972 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 300.2% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($39,630 vs. $9,902).

Lake Forest College vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University and Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 20 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lake Forest College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Lake Forest College vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College and Houghton University? 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).

• The graduation rate at Lake Forest College is the same as at Houghton University (68% vs. 68%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 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 Lake Forest College graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Lake Forest College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.