At $21,148/yr net price, Houghton University graduates earn $46,721/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,721/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,148 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,592 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,721/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,721/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,213/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,292/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,133/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,436/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
64.7% of students at Houghton University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Houghton University gives you a mixed financial return. At $21,148 a year in net price and $46,721 median earnings a decade out, you graduate with debt you can manage,$25,250, just under a single year's post-graduation salary. That ratio keeps repayment realistic for most graduates, which is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The program data tells a harder story. Business Administration graduates earn $38,289 and leave with the lightest debt load on this list at $21,450, so it pays off cleanly. Communication and Media Studies is the trap: $24,872 in earnings, roughly what you might make without a degree at all. If you enroll here for communications, you are paying private-college prices for an outcome that will strain your finances for years.
The regional risk is real. Houghton sits in rural western New York, far from the dense job markets that lift starting salaries. The $46,721 median suggests many graduates stay in lower-paying local roles or fields like ministry and education that Houghton draws students toward.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $17,200,about $8,000 less per year than families over $110,000, who pay $25,436. That gap makes Houghton a defensible choice if you qualify for the lower tiers and pick a program with real earnings.
Houghton fits you if you want a small Christian college, come from a lower-income household, and study business or another field with a clear salary path. Look elsewhere if you are paying the top tier for a low-earning major, or if your family income puts you near $25,000 a year for a degree that returns $46,000. Run your specific program's numbers before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houghton University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Houghton University graduates earn $46,721 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,148 annually and typical debt of $25,250, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most students.
What programs at Houghton University have the best job prospects?
Business Administration and Management graduates earn around $38,289, making it the strongest program financially. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn significantly less at $24,872, which may not justify the cost of attendance.
How much student debt do Houghton University graduates typically have?
The median debt at graduation is $25,250, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, with starting earnings around $46,721, graduates may face tight budgets in their first few years after college.
Does Houghton University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The net price of $21,148 suggests decent financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings mean students should carefully evaluate their program choice and career goals before enrolling.