Luther- Norse vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Luther College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (1,384 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse ($21,274 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 1.5% lower than at Luther College ($11,360 vs. $11,530).
• Luther College is 182.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $33,690 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 182.8% higher at Luther- Norse than at Houghton University (about $33,690 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 313.2% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($40,917 vs. $9,902).

Luther- Norse vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 30 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Luther- Norse vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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).

• Luther College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 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 Luther- Norse graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.