Williams vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Williams College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,164 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Williams College is located in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Williams College 6:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Williams vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Williams 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 Williams College than Houghton University ($15,894 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 34.2% lower than at Williams College ($11,360 vs. $17,260).
• Williams College is 272% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $50,130 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 272% higher at Williams than at Houghton University (about $50,130 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Williams College (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 596.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($68,966 vs. $9,902).

Williams vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Williams 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 Williams.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 260 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Williams 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: Williams College 1490/1570; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Williams College 34/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Williams - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Williams Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Williams students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43% at Williams vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Williams vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Williams 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).

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Williams College earn a median of about $29,300 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $10,918 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($14,582 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($150 vs. $263).
• More Williams graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.