Enrollment Growth Continues at Houghton University, Driven by First-Year Retention

HOUGHTON, NY — September 18, 2025— Houghton University begins its 2025-2026 academic year with a celebration of its third consecutive year of overall enrollment growth and an extraordinary first-year retention rate. The University’s first-year retention rate rose to 90%, markedly higher than the national average of 77%. University leaders credit Houghton’s retention to the holistic approach that the campus community provides in supporting students not just academically, but also spiritually and emotionally.

“This is more than a statistic. First, more and more students are choosing well. Students and families know who we are and what a Houghton experience can provide. At Houghton, they know they will get an intentionally Christian, academically rigorous and engaging university experience. But also, the numbers are a reflection of a campus culture centered on student success and excellence,” said President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “Our comprehensive support system supports students and enables them to thrive.”

Integrating academic, wellness, athletics, and student life into a unified approach, Houghton aims to provide every student on campus with a sense of belonging as they grow within its Christ-centered community. The goal is not to just retain students, but to help them flourish. Growth was particularly evident in the Biology Pre-Health, Business Administration, and Education areas.

Academic and Wellness Support

Small class sizes foster a personalized learning environment, where faculty go beyond traditional advising, investing deeply in each student’s growth and success through long conversations during office hours, casual coffee meetings in Java 101 (the on-campus coffee shop), and faculty participation in student events.

The staff at the Center for Student Success served more than half of the student body this past year by focusing on proactive wellness programming. Through peer-to-peer academic support, the utilization of therapy dogs, the annual de-stress fair, and a partnership with Univera in a new wellness initiative, the staff saw a 10% decrease in the demand for clinical mental health counseling.

Athletics and Team Culture

Highlander Athletics is a large part of the student experience at Houghton, as one-third of all students participate in athletics. The strong sense of team identity and culture has proven to be a key factor in why student-athletes choose to stay at Houghton. The intentional pursuit of the NCCAA’s #KingChasing initiative—focused on love, integrity, faith and excellence—has helped shape an athletic environment that emphasizes doing things the “right way,” says Athletic Director Matthew Webb.

Community and Belonging

At the core of all these things is the Christ-centered community of Houghton. Twice weekly, the campus community joins together for a Chapel service, and students regularly participate in Life Together groups, floor Bible studies, and nightly student-led worship. Student Life staff organize a variety of engaging events designed to keep students connected, while intentionally cultivating meaningful relationships with every student.

Houghton’s holistic approach—integrating academics, athletics, wellness, and spiritual life—has created a thriving campus culture that supports student success while contributing to sustained enrollment growth.

“We know that students who are healthier, have effective mental health coping skills, and stronger peer relationships are going to do better academically,” says Bill Burrichter, Vice President for Student Life. “In many ways this is a total package approach that empowers students to complete their degrees while growing into the person they are meant to be.”

About Houghton

Houghton University is a nationally ranked Christian college of the liberal arts and sciences and New York’s leading evangelical Christian university. Offering over 50 undergraduate programs—including education, equestrian studies, pre-law, and biological sciences—as well as graduate programs in business, education, and music, Houghton commits to both academic excellence and affordability through initiatives like the Founder’s Promise Scholarship. Houghton’s three-year enrollment growth affirms the appeal of Christ-centered education in the Northeast, attracting students eager to transform the world for the glory of God. For more information, please visit www.houghton.edu.