UMBC vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore, MD with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Maryland Baltimore County is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (13,906 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Maryland Baltimore County is located in Baltimore, MD (Large Suburban setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• University of Maryland Baltimore County is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Maryland Baltimore County 17:1; Houghton University 12:1.

UMBC vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMBC 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 University of Maryland Baltimore County than Houghton University ($18,770 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 25% lower than at University of Maryland Baltimore County ($11,360 vs. $15,146).
• Houghton University is 39% more expensive for in-state tuition than UMBC (about $5,174 more per year; $18,430.00 vs. $13,256.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.7% higher at UMBC than at Houghton University (about $12,845 more per year; $31,275.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Maryland Baltimore County (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Maryland Baltimore County students is 3% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($10,203 vs. $9,902).

UMBC vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMBC 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 UMBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Maryland Baltimore County (1330) is 60 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming UMBC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Houghton University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Baltimore County 1240/1420; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Baltimore County 25/31; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMBC - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMBC Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UMBC students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than UMBC (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at UMBC vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

UMBC vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMBC 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).

• Houghton University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than University of Maryland Baltimore County's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Maryland Baltimore County graduates have a $4,303 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($21,197 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, UMBC graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($219 vs. $263).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UMBC students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 67%)

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.