Houghton University vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY with Northwest University in Kirkland, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Houghton University is larger than Northwest University based on total student enrollment (1,200 students vs. 1,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Houghton University is located in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Houghton University 12:1; Northwest University 9:1.

Houghton University vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton University or Northwest University? 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 Northwest University ($21,274 vs. $24,251).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 1.6% lower than at Houghton University ($11,180 vs. $11,360).
• Northwest University is 95.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $17,605 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.5% higher at Northwest University than at Houghton University (about $17,605 more per year; $36,035.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University as at Northwest University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest University students is 162.7% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($26,017 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 70 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwest University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Northwest University (83.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

Houghton University vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton University and Northwest University? 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 Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Houghton University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $3,968 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($21,532 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 62%)

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.