Houghton University vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Lehigh University 10:1.

Houghton University vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh ($21,274 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 34% lower than at Lehigh University ($11,360 vs. $17,220).
• Lehigh University is 252.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $46,550 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.6% higher at Lehigh than at Houghton University (about $46,550 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Lehigh University (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 371.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($46,731 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 170 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Lehigh students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Houghton University vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $44,900 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $1,244 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($24,256 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($250 vs. $263).
• More Lehigh 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.