Wellesley vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Wellesley College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,407 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wellesley vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wellesley 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 Wellesley ($21,274 vs. $22,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 46% lower than at Wellesley College ($11,360 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 264.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $48,746 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 264.5% higher at Wellesley than at Houghton University (about $48,746 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Wellesley College (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 547.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($64,116 vs. $9,902).

Wellesley vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wellesley 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 Wellesley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 240 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Wellesley 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: Wellesley College 1460/1560; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wellesley College 33/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wellesley - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley 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 Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.6% at Wellesley vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Wellesley vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wellesley 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).

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Wellesley College earn a median of about $23,800 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,100 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $16,600 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($8,900 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $171 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($92 vs. $263).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.