Houghton University vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

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

Dickinson College is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (2,314 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Houghton University vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College ($21,274 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 33.6% lower than at Dickinson College ($11,360 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 256.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $47,220 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 256.2% higher at Dickinson College than at Houghton University (about $47,220 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 349.2% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($44,479 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Houghton University or Dickinson College? 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 Dickinson College and Houghton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 120 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Houghton University vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Dickinson College? 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Dickinson College earn a median of about $17,700 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($21,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($217 vs. $263).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.