Houghton University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Houghton, NY
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Houghton University Admission Overview

Houghton University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Houghton University admitted 88.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.25 GPA (B+) and SAT 1170-1375 / ACT 26-31. Houghton University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Houghton University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

88.7%

Admission Standards

Difficult

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Houghton University

Acceptance Rate

The Houghton University acceptance rate is 88.7%. Last year, 923 of 1,041 applicants were admitted. That is the 123rd lowest acceptance rate in New York.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Houghton University and can you get accepted?

Houghton University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile. Getting an offer is relatively likely compared with more selective schools, but last year's class still posted a strong academic profile.

Houghton University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.25. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 23% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Houghton University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.25

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.25

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Houghton University typically have around a 3.25 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Houghton University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #82 in New York for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Houghton University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1170-1375

Freshmen who sent SAT

24%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 600
  • Math 570
  • Composite 1170
SAT 25th percentile scores for Houghton University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 695
  • Math 680
  • Composite 1375
SAT 75th percentile scores for Houghton University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Houghton University typically score around a 1270 SAT (middle 50% 1170–1375) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 85th percentile nationally. Houghton University ranks #33 in the state of New York and #239 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1170 to 1375

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Houghton University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1270 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Houghton University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1375+ Above 75th >94%
1270 to 1375 Avg + 89%-94%
1170 to 1270 Avg - 81%-89%
Below 1170 Below mid-50 <81%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Houghton University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

26-31

Freshmen reporting ACT

3%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 28
  • Math 26
  • Composite 26
ACT 25th percentile scores for Houghton University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 33
  • Math 29
  • Composite 31
ACT 75th percentile scores for Houghton University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Houghton University typically have around a 28 ACT (mid-50 26–31) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 88th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Houghton University places #29 among colleges in New York and #231 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 26 to 31

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Houghton University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 28.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Houghton University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
31+ Above 75th >95%
28 to 31 Avg + 89%-95%
26 to 28 Avg - 83%-89%
Below 26 Below mid-50 <83%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

51% of Houghton University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 27% are in the top ten percent.

High School Class Rank for admitted Houghton University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 27%
Top 25% of class 51%
Top 50% of class 83%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Houghton University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Houghton University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 633 408 1,041
Accepted 570 353 923
Acceptance Rate 90% 87% 89%
Enrolled 118 96 214
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 21% 27% 23%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Houghton University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Houghton University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Houghton University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Houghton University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Houghton University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 88.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.25 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1170-1375); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Houghton University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=191676.

GPA calculator: Houghton University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026