Princeton vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Princeton University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (9,137 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Princeton University 5:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Princeton vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Princeton or Houghton 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 Princeton University than Houghton University ($15,313 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 43.9% lower than at Princeton University ($11,360 vs. $20,250).
• Princeton University is 240.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $44,258 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 240.1% higher at Princeton than at Houghton University (about $44,258 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Princeton University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 594.1% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($68,727 vs. $9,902).

Princeton vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 280 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Princeton students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 1510/1580; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Princeton University 34/35; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Princeton - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Princeton Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Princeton students have a 0.68 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 75.5% at Princeton vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Princeton vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Princeton and Houghton 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).

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $69,600 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $18,000 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($7,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $186 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($77 vs. $263).
• More Princeton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.