
One Willard Avenue, Houghton, NY 14744, USA


Houghton University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized for ensuring quality standards in higher education institutions. This accreditation confirms that the university meets rigorous criteria related to academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources, which is crucial for students seeking a credible and respected degree.
Additionally, some of Houghton University's programs have earned specialized accreditation from professional organizations, affirming their adherence to industry standards and enhancing graduates' career readiness in those fields. Prospective students should verify these program-specific accreditations when considering their intended area of study to ensure alignment with professional expectations.
Prospective students aiming to enroll at Houghton University must have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A secondary school GPA is required for admission consideration, emphasizing the institution's selective criteria, as the university does not follow an open admission policy. While specific recommendations and admission test scores are not mandatory, submission of other standardized test results is recommended to strengthen an application.
Applicants should be prepared to use a computer during the application process, indicating the need for technological readiness. The university accepts both dual credit transfer and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, enabling students to receive college credit for prior academic work. However, dual credit enrollment is not available through the institution.
Regarding standardized testing, the average SAT score of admitted students is approximately 1185, placing them in the top 45 percent nationally, with average subscores of 585 in math and 600 in writing. The mean ACT composite score hovers around 26, ranking in the top 40 percent. These scores reflect a moderately competitive applicant pool. The acceptance rate is notably high at 93 percent, indicating the university admits the vast majority of applicants, though the volume of applicants is relatively low compared to many institutions.
Houghton University requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of the admissions process. The fee is a necessary step to have an application reviewed by the admissions office. However, the university offers fee waivers to certain applicants who meet specific criteria, providing financial relief and encouraging a broader range of students to apply.
Students who demonstrate financial need or participate in particular outreach programs may be eligible to have their application fees waived. This is intended to reduce barriers for applicants from lower-income backgrounds or underrepresented communities. Additionally, some high school counselors can authorize fee waivers on behalf of their students, streamlining the process for those who qualify.
Prospective students are advised to check directly with Houghton University's admissions office or their high school counselor to learn how to request a fee waiver. This ensures they receive accurate guidance tailored to their individual circumstances and avoids unnecessary application costs.
Houghton University does not host its own ROTC program on campus. Instead, students interested in participating in Reserve Officer Training Corps activities can do so through arrangements with cooperating host institutions that provide ROTC branch units. This allows students to access military training and leadership development programs while completing their academic studies at Houghton University.
Houghton University accepts transfer students for both the fall and spring semesters. The institution considers transfer applicants moderately difficult to admit, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity. Prospective transfer students can submit credit for both CLEP general and subject exams, as well as DANTES exams, which may facilitate the transfer process and credit recognition.
Houghton University also accepts recommendation letters from transfer applicants, indicating that qualitative assessments are part of the evaluation. Additionally, the university acknowledges transfer credits, allowing students to continue their studies without losing valuable coursework completed elsewhere.
Houghton University offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The programs emphasize immersive learning, allowing students to engage directly with diverse international communities while earning credit toward their degrees. These options include faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, and internships abroad, covering multiple disciplines and destinations.
The university supports participation in programs that explore global perspectives in fields such as language, business, arts, and social sciences. In addition to opportunities arranged through Houghton University itself, students may also access established partnerships with international institutions that facilitate semester or year-long study abroad stints. This variety enables students to select programs aligned with their academic goals and personal interests while gaining valuable cross-cultural competencies.
Median composite SAT score
1185Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
3%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
24%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
Data not availableCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring