Houghton University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Houghton University (Houghton College) is 77%. This means that 77 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Houghton University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as Houghton College is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Houghton University Admission Requirements
Houghton College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Houghton College is 3.25. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.95 and 3.25, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 2.85 is required.
Can I Get Into Houghton College Without SAT Or ACT?: Houghton University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Houghton University (Houghton College) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Houghton University Average SAT Score: 1200
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Houghton University is 1200 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Houghton University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1200 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1320 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Houghton University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1110, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Houghton College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Houghton University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 595 | 540 | 650 |
SAT Reading | 620 | 570 | 670 |
SAT Composite | 1200 | 1110 | 1320 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1110 then you are below most of the admitted students at Houghton College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1320 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Houghton University (Houghton College) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Houghton University (Houghton College) are good but the admission staff at Houghton College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Houghton College Profile
Name: Houghton University (Houghton College)
City: Houghton
URL: www.houghton.edu/
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 14744
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from Houghton College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Houghton University is USD: 27969. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Houghton University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
38.84% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 58.37 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Houghton College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Houghton University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Houghton College as your choice in the form.
How much a Houghton College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Houghton College graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46721. An average Houghton College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Houghton University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Houghton University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |
University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1180 | NA |
University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1164 | 23 |
Flagler College | Flagler College, FL | 1168 | 26 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Houghton University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Houghton University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1206 | 26 |
Stetson University | Stetson University, FL | 1205 | 27 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Houghton University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
- Area Studies
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Houghton University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Houghton University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $10,000 to $30,000 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Houghton University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Houghton University?
Answer: The acceptance rate is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Houghton University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is . This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Houghton University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around -0.3, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Houghton University with a GPA 0.3 points lower than the average?
Answer: If your GPA is -0.4 or less, it may makes admission difficult -0.3. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Houghton University if my GPA is below 2.85
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is " .($university_data['gpas']). ", applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Houghton University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Houghton University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Houghton University?
Answer: The campus culture at Houghton University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Houghton University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Houghton University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.