Houghton University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Houghton University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Mason? 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 George Mason University than Houghton University ($18,823 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 27.8% lower than at George Mason University ($11,360 vs. $15,725).
• Houghton University is 29.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $4,210 more per year; $18,430.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.9% higher at Mason than at Houghton University (about $20,258 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($12,852 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Houghton University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Mason? 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).

• Houghton University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($204 vs. $263).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

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.