Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.7%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,721
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $268/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,450 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $24,872 |
Outcomes Overview
Houghton graduates earn a median of $46,721 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 54% based on typical debt loads of $25,250. Monthly loan payments of $268 consume about 6.9% of gross income, which sits slightly above the recommended 5-6% threshold. The college's strong music and education programs often lead graduates into teaching, ministry, and nonprofit work, fields known for meaningful but modest compensation. The 92% employment rate shows graduates find work, though the Christian liberal arts focus doesn't typically lead to high-paying corporate careers. With below-average earnings relative to debt, this represents a weak return on investment from a purely financial perspective.