Students at Houghton University benefit from a supportive community environment where nearly all graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, reflected in a 0% federal loan default rate.
The university combines meaningful access for diverse students with a values-centered education that emphasizes character development and service over maximum earnings potential.
Houghton University is a small private Christian college in rural New York that serves students seeking a faith-integrated liberal arts education. With about 34% of students receiving Pell Grants and 17% being first-generation college students, Houghton provides meaningful access to higher education for families from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains a close-knit campus community where students receive individualized attention and mentorship.
Graduates earn a median of $46,721 ten years after enrollment, which places Houghton around the middle of the national distribution for earnings outcomes. While these earnings are more modest than those at large research universities, they reflect the university's focus on fields like business, education, ministry, and social services where financial rewards often come through meaningful work rather than maximum salary potential.
As a small Christian institution, Houghton offers something distinct from typical college options: a values-centered education that emphasizes character development, service, and community engagement. For students who prioritize these elements alongside solid academic preparation, Houghton provides a supportive environment that balances accessibility with personal growth, even if long-term earnings are more moderate than at larger institutions.
Houghton University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a Christian liberal arts institution focused on service and character development. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program and the strongest economic performer, graduating 48 students with median earnings of $38,289 ten years out. This program represents Houghton's most substantial pathway into the broader economy, combining solid enrollment with respectable financial outcomes.
Beyond business, Houghton's academic strengths typically center on education, ministry, social work, and liberal arts fields where graduates prioritize meaningful work over maximum salary potential. These programs align with the university's Christian mission and values-based approach to education, preparing students for careers in teaching, pastoral work, nonprofit leadership, and community service.
As a small institution, Houghton graduates focused cohorts each year, creating tight-knit alumni networks particularly strong in education, ministry, and social service sectors. While the financial returns may be more modest than at larger universities, graduates typically find careers aligned with their values and training, emphasizing service and community impact over pure economic advancement.
Graduates of Houghton University see moderate long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on service-oriented careers and values-based education. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $46,721, which places the university around the middle of the national distribution. While these earnings are more modest than those at large research universities, they align with Houghton's mission of preparing students for meaningful careers in education, ministry, social work, and community service.
The university's program mix centers heavily on fields that prioritize service over maximum salary potential. Business Administration and Management is Houghton's largest program, graduating 48 students with median earnings of $38,289 ten years out. This represents the university's strongest program in terms of both enrollment and aggregate economic impact, combining solid graduate numbers with respectable early-career outcomes. Other popular programs tend to focus on education, ministry, and liberal arts fields where financial rewards often come through job satisfaction and community impact rather than high salaries.
For students drawn to Houghton's mission and community, the earnings outcomes represent a reasonable return on investment, particularly given the university's emphasis on character development and service. The financial trajectory may be more modest than at research universities, but graduates typically find meaningful work aligned with their values and training.
Affordability at Houghton University varies significantly by family income, with the institution providing substantial aid to lower-income students while remaining more expensive for middle and higher-income families. Low-income students pay about $17,213 per year after aid, which is competitive for a private college, while middle-income families see annual costs around $20,133. Higher-income families face net prices of approximately $25,436, reflecting the full cost of a private liberal arts education.
Debt levels are moderate but meaningful for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $25,250 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $23,000. These amounts are substantial relative to Houghton's graduate earnings, requiring careful financial planning and realistic expectations about post-graduation budgets. The university's 0% federal loan default rate suggests that most graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, though this likely reflects both the institution's supportive community and graduates' commitment to meeting their financial responsibilities even when earnings are modest.
Houghton University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
