Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Houghton, New York |
| Online | houghton.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Rural |
| Religious Affiliation | Wesleyan |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Houghton College is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in rural western New York State, situated approximately 65 miles southeast of Buffalo in Allegany County. The college's 1,300-acre campus features a blend of historic Georgian Colonial architecture and modern facilities set in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Founded in 1883 by the Wesleyan Methodist Church (now Wesleyan Church), Houghton maintains its Christian liberal arts tradition while operating as a selective undergraduate institution. The college offers more than 50 academic programs, with particular strengths in music, education, science, and business administration. Students are required to live on campus for their first three years, with housing options including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living arrangements.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Houghton College is rated within the top 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Houghton College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#447 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#314 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#62 in Best Colleges in New York
#43 in Best Private Colleges in New York
#557 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#74 in Best Value Colleges in New York
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1180/1390 |
| ACT | 23/28 |
| GPA | 3.25 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $600 |
| Room and Board | $10,810 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,600 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Education | 15% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Biology | 7% |
| Psychology | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Houghton College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=191676 IPEDS survey data for Houghton College.
Current students may use the Houghton College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025