Houghton University
Houghton University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Houghton University at a Glance
Houghton University is a private Christian liberal arts college in Houghton, New York, United States. Houghton was founded in 1883 by Willard J. Houghton and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Houghton serves roughly 1000 students and has 54 degree majors for primarily undergraduate students.
1883
143 years old
$95M
$94.7 million (2025)
1,014
975 undergrad · 39 grad
53
1,300 acres
Identity
Is Houghton University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Houghton University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,721 — 13% below average — while paying $20,519/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,250 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Houghton University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Houghton University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #15 of 89 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #15 | Houghton University | 37 | $20,519 | $46,721 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Houghton University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in NY.
Best Programs at Houghton University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Houghton University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,519/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Houghton, NY
- Student Body
- 753 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,519
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,721
- Median Student Debt
- $25,250