Buffalo Liberal Arts College | Houghton University

Pursue your university education in a unique and inspirational learning environment.

The Houghton University experience in Buffalo allows you to remain fully embedded in your cultural and religious community as you pursue your first college degree. You will take coursework in Houghton's vibrant and supportive learning community at the Buffalo extension site located in the King Urban Life Center. Degrees are conferred from Houghton University in Houghton, NY and final degree requirements will be met in Houghton.

This dedicated environment will accelerate your ability to overcome educational or language barriers as you invest in an education that will equip you for lifelong success. Explore the benefits and possibilities of a private, affordable Christian education, conveniently located in your community.

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Get more details about taking your coursework at Houghton University's Buffalo location.

Education that Fits Your Goals

Choose from one of Houghton's degree programs that fit your interests and schedule and take coursework at the Buffalo extension site. Degrees are conferred from Houghton University in Houghton, NY.

Associate Degrees

Business, A.S.

Criminal Justice, A.S.

Liberal Arts, A.A.

Psychology, A.S.

Bachelor Degrees

Business Administration, B.S.

Criminal Justice, B.A.

Psychology, B.A.

Full-time Study

Allows you to earn your first college degree faster (in as few as 2 years) by taking 3-4 courses each semester.

Part-time Study

Balance your work, family and education by focusing on only 2 courses each semester.

Designed for Your Future

Qualified students will complete a semester-long internship in their field of study.

Review Admission Requirements

At Houghton's Buffalo location, you will find:

Debt-Free Education

Houghton will coordinate all your financial aid. This includes all state and federal financial aid (TAP, PELL, SAY YES) as well as scholarships. This has allowed many Buffalo students to graduate with their associate degree debt-free. All the students from the Class of 2022, that took courses at Buffalo, graduated debt-free!

Discover what you'll pay for your first degree

Transferable Credits

Your courses fulfill general education requirements that can be transferred to four-year colleges or universities for a bachelor’s degree. Qualified students may earn a bachelor's degree from Houghton by completing coursework in Buffalo and online. An agreement with Buffalo State College allows students to transfer seamlessly into more than 170 programs.

Personalized Support

Take advantage of daily on-site tutoring from local tutors and faculty who understand the community. This in addition to small class sizes, provides you with the support you need to succeed. Textbooks, laptop, and a monthly bus pass are also provided at no additional cost.

Complete Your Free Online Application

looking up at the King Urban Life Center

Vibrant Community

Receive a spiritually-rooted college education with a focus on the rich tradition of African American moral and intellectual engagement. Be empowered to use your voice as an ethical leader through an educational experience that is rooted in Black community.

This community is also convenient. Located on a main bus line, enjoy free transportation by showing your prepaid bus pass.

King Urban Life Center
938 Genesee St
Buffalo, NY 14211

716.440.2279

Get Directions

Average Class Size

13 Students

Expert Faculty

90% come from the local Buffalo community

Fully Accredited

Houghton University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Before coming to Houghton University Buffalo, I wondered if college was a fit for me. Not long after matriculating, I realized that my previous training had not properly prepared me for college success, but, with the support of my professors and classmates, I pushed past my doubts, worked hard to complete assignments even when I struggled and shattered self-imposed limitations. ...Now, I know that there are scholars who look like me. ...College has made me realize my purpose.

Ky'Sean Levy '21

Admission Process

Chose your start date

August 29, 2022
January 9, 2023

Complete the free online application

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Submit your high school transcript

SAT and ACT Not Required

We do not require standardized test scores for admission, including the SAT, ACT, or Classic Learning Test (CLT).

For some, standardized test scores may not always be the best representation of their fit for Houghton University Buffalo. Rest assured that every application for admission is read in its entirety.

Review Testing Policy

Cost and Affordability

Houghton will coordinate TAP, Pell, Say Yes, and all available scholarships to help you cover the cost of university. The tuition and fees are set to enable all students, regardless of economic background, to pursue Christian university education.

Full-Time Students

$6,300/semester tuition includes:

3-4 courses (Up to 12 credit hours)
Books
Laptop
Monthly Bus Pass
Full academic support
No additional fees

Part-Time Students

$2,700/semester tuition includes:

2 courses (6 credit hours)
Books
Full academic support
No additional fees

2022-23 Academic Year

This is the Houghton University price for those taking coursework in Buffalo, but most families do not pay this much. The aid options below may further reduce the cost of tuition.

Gift Aid - Grants

GRANTS DO NOT NEED TO BE PAID BACK.

Federal and New York State need-based grants significantly reduce expenses for Houghton Buffalo students.

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement to students who qualify under a federal formula that determines eligibility. To be eligible, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must not have earned a bachelor’s degree. This award is a grant, not a loan.
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a state-funded program for New York state residents. A recipient of this award must be a full-time matriculated student in an approved program at an approved New York state post-secondary institution. Grants are based on the New York net taxable income of the preceding year. This program is an entitlement program.

Loans

EDUCATIONAL LOANS MUST BE REPAID.

Houghton recommends that you utilize educational loans only to the extent needed and only after all available grants and scholarships have been awarded. If you choose to borrow, we recommend that you begin with federal student loans and lastly alternative educational loans. Your financial aid counselor can provide sound advice on loan options and application procedures.

Actual Cost

After applying all of these financial aid options, you are left with what you will actually pay out of pocket. This information will be highlighted for you in your financial aid award letter.

Cost Scenarios

When evaluating college costs, it's important to compare the sticker price (how much a college charges) with the net price that you will pay after receiving financial aid.

See how some typical students have been able to pay for their Houghton education. These are generalized examples using real numbers for the stated academic year.

James

Received free lunch in high school and is the first in his family to go to college.

Tuition and Fees	$12,600
Books	$0
Total Cost	$12,600
Total Average Aid (NYS-TAP and US-PELL)	$12,560
Total Average Cost to Attend	$40
Student Loan Eligibility	$5,500

Sierra

Returning to college to complete a two-year degree after being away for several years. She worked at a job and earned $18,000 a year.

Tuition and Fees	$12,600
Books	$0
Total Cost	$12,600
Total Average Aid (NYS-TAP and US-PELL)	$10,224
Total Average Cost to Attend	$2,376
Student Loan Eligibility	$7,376

Nina

Family makes less than $30,000 and moved to New York State from Chicago, Illinois. Student attended college before living in NY for 1 year so they do not qualify for NYS-TAP funding.

Tuition and fees	$12,600
Fees and Books	$0
Total Cost	$12,600
Total Average Aid (US-PELL)	$6,895
Total Average Cost to Attend	$5,705
Student Loan Eligibility	$5,500

Lavon

There are 5 in the family and Parents make a combined income of $70,000 and he is the only person in his household attending college.

Tuition and fees	$12,600
Books	$0
Total Cost	$12,600
Total Average Aid (NYS-TAP and US-PELL)	$4,545
Total Average Cost to Attend	$8,055
Student Loan Eligibility	$5,500

Meet a Faculty Member

A native of Chicago’s South Side, The Reverend Julian Armand Cook is an ordained Baptist clergyman, sought-after speaker, writer, educator and public thinker. Cook serves as the Director of the East Side program in Buffalo, NY–providing underserved students a low-cost, high-quality college education that promotes the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of a cadre of emerging leaders who are academically excellent and spiritually rooted, locally connected and globally minded, socially aware and courageously creative. In addition to serving as the proud Senior Pastor of Buffalo’s historic Macedonia Baptist Church, he is also a Ph.D. student in Religion and Social Ethics at Drew University.

Julian Cook

Houghton University does not discriminate based on race, color, gender or national and ethnic origin in admission, financial aid or administration of any educational program.