Michigan vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Michigan Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (52,855 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI (Midsize City setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 11:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Michigan vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan 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 Michigan Ann Arbor than Houghton University ($17,574 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 25.9% lower than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor ($11,360 vs. $15,328).
• Houghton University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan (about $694 more per year; $18,430.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 230.7% higher at Michigan than at Houghton University (about $42,516 more per year; $60,946.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Michigan Ann Arbor students is 153.5% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($25,099 vs. $9,902).

Michigan vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan 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 Michigan.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Michigan Ann Arbor (1450) is 180 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Michigan 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: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 1360/1530; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Ann Arbor 31/34; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Michigan Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Michigan (15.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47.3% at Michigan vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Michigan vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan 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).

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of about $30,100 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,400 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates have a $5,397 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($20,103 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Michigan graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($207 vs. $263).
• More Michigan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.