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Houghton University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1170 to 1350
ACT Range26 to 31
Average GPA3.63
Acceptance Rate88.7%

With Houghton admitting 88.7% of applicants, your strategy is to show you can thrive there, not to treat admission as a long shot. Since scores are optional, submit them only if they strengthen your profile, with about 1300+ SAT or an ACT near 31 as a strong target.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Houghton University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Houghton University enrolls 939 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Houghton has an 83% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 67% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12.1:1.

Location

Houghton, NY

Undergrad Enrollment939
Freshman Retention83%
SettingRural
Student to Faculty Ratio12.1:1
Graduation Rate67%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Houghton?

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Key Houghton University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Not offered

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

May 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Houghton, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes that could improve your superscore. Houghton does not list a fixed ED, EA, or Regular Decision deadline, so confirm its current score-receipt timing before relying on a late fall retake.

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What you'll actually pay

Houghton is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $18,430, and 70% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,116. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$18,430
Room and Board$11,360
Average Merit Award$3,116
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid70%
Average Aid Package$20,529
Average Debt at Grad$37,139

Houghton University's listed cost of attendance is about $29,790, including $18,430 in tuition and fees and $11,360 for room and board. About 70% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $20,529. Merit awards average $3,116, which can help reduce the net price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $37,139.

Student life at Houghton University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Dance
Musical theater
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Yearbook
Student government
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

85% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Men only
Women only
Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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