Transparent and Unmatched Tuition
Houghton reset tuition to the lowest level in 20 years
Houghton College responded to the financial challenges of COVID-19 by offering the best price for a high-quality, Christ-centered education in the nation.
Surprisingly Affordable Christian College Education
At Houghton College, families from all socio-economic backgrounds can afford a transformative Christian Education.
Household income distribution for 2019-20 first year students receiving financial aid.
What Does Houghton Cost?
$15,900
Tuition
$5,288
Room
$4,568
Board
$546
Fees
But most students don't pay even that low cost.
2021-2022 academic year
Best Priced Christian College in the Nation based on the most recent tuition survey by the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities
What will you pay?
$15,900
This is Houghton College’s tuition, but most families will not pay even this drastically reduced price.
Gift Aid
Does not need to be paid back
Scholarships
Houghton awards endowed scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. You can also proactively research and apply for local and privately funded scholarships to substantially reduce your college costs.
Grants
Federal grants, getting a job on campus, Veterans benefits, ROTC, and New York State need-based grants further reduce expenses for Houghton students. Learn more about Federal Aid and New York State Aid.
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, then federal parental loans, and lastly alternative educational loans. Your financial aid counselor can provide sound advice on loan options and application procedures.
Houghton provides access to this resource to ensure students and families can make informed decisions about their finances.
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.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete your online application for admission and submit your FAFSA to receive your financial aid award.
Your Financial Aid Package is Your Best Houghton Price
The Student Financial Services Office’s responsibility is to provide you with accurate, thorough, and timely information considering the financial aid application and awarding process. You can rest assured that:
- Your initial award will include all applicable grants and scholarships. As conscientious stewards, Houghton’s financial aid representatives award institutional aid as fairly and equitably as possible while being sensitive to the genuine financial needs of families. While aid packages may be reconsidered for special circumstances (loss of a job, etc.), the college does not reserve funds to award later for negotiating purposes.
- Your financial aid should continue for every year of your undergraduate education. The majority of Houghton’s grants and scholarships are four-year, renewable awards, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and other eligibility requirements.
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. All of these students take a full-time course load (12 credits). These are generalized examples using real numbers for the stated academic year.
Dakota
Received free lunch in high school and is the first of her sisters to go to college.
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,920 | $15,900 |
| Fees | $546 | $546 |
| Room | $5,288 | $5,288 |
| Board | $4,568 | $4,568 |
| Total Cost | $44,322 | $26,302 |
| Average Total Gift Aid | $30,510 | $13,510 |
| Average Federal Loans | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Total Average Aid | $36,010 | $19,010 |
| Average Cost After Financial Aid | $8,312 | $7,292 |
Elijah
Is the eldest of two boys with a household annual income of $30,000.
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,920 | $15,900 |
| Fees | $546 | $546 |
| Room | $5,288 | $5,288 |
| Board | $4,568 | $4,568 |
| Total Cost | $44,322 | $26,302 |
| Average Total Gift Aid | $23,069 | $7,819 |
| Average Federal Loans | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Total Average Aid | $28,569 | $13,319 |
| Average Cost after Financial Aid | $15,753 | $12,983 |
Kim
Joined her older sister, a junior, at Houghton and their parents make a combined $70,000
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,920 | $15,900 |
| Fees | $546 | $546 |
| Room | $5,288 | $5,288 |
| Board | $4,568 | $4,568 |
| Total Cost | $44,322 | $26,302 |
| Average Total Gift Aid | $19,000 | $2,317 |
| Average Federal Loans | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| Total Average Aid | $24,500 | $7,817 |
| Average Cost after Financial Aid | $19,822 | $18,485 |
Have Confidence in Your Investment
At Houghton, you will receive a high-quality education that puts God first and prepares you for the fast-paced and ever-changing world. That’s our promise to you, and we stand by it. If you are not offered employment in your chosen field or accepted into graduate school, you can come back for a bonus year tuition-free.
Houghton graduates land jobs that allow them to pay back their loans.
Loan default rate is the percentage of graduates who are unable to pay back their loans.