Houghton University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmith9fb9dc81-9972-4c2b-8f9c-b9dbb8b2090cData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Houghton University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith2ef37624-9f86-4a0d-a812-8300935b2dc0Houghton, NY
How do your scores compare at Houghton?
Key Houghton University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
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
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
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.
⬡ LangSmith4c3029de-d833-4e82-9e1f-5207f59071fdWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Houghton University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
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.
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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.
⬡ LangSmithfdccd769-0c95-4ebd-990e-6d1bc1ae6035Student life at Houghton University
85% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bard College
Annandale-on-Hudson, NYAcceptance rate: 52.1%
SAT: 1300–1412
ACT: 30–32
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NYAcceptance rate: 54.3%
SAT: 1285–1385
ACT: 30–33
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NYAcceptance rate: 64%
SAT: 1180–1370
ACT: 28–32
Hartwick College
Oneonta, NYAcceptance rate: 69.5%
SAT: 1110–1280
ACT: 10–27
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