Deciding on the right college is a critical decision in a student’s life, and it often involves comparing different schools to find the right fit. In this article, we will compare two popular colleges: Houghton College and Westminster College PA. Both institutions have their unique offerings, and by examining the various aspects, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision.
Houghton Overview
Houghton College is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Houghton, New York. Established in 1883, it has a long history of providing quality education rooted in the Christian faith. With a small student population of about 1,000 and a tight-knit community, Houghton College aims to provide students with a well-rounded education and personalized attention.
Houghton Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Houghton College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $33,920, with an additional cost of $11,240 for room and board. While this might seem high, Houghton College offers a significant amount of financial aid to its students. Nearly 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average institutional grant of around $22,000.
Houghton Admissions
Houghton College has an acceptance rate of 72%, which indicates moderate selectivity. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The college has a test-optional policy, meaning students who feel their standardized test scores do not accurately represent their academic abilities may choose not to submit them. The average SAT scores for admitted students are between 1040 and 1280, while the average ACT scores range from 21 to 29.
Houghton Degrees Offered
Houghton College offers over 40 majors and minors across a wide range of disciplines. Some popular majors include Business Administration, Biology, Psychology, Education, and Music. Houghton also offers several pre-professional programs, such as pre-medical, pre-law, and pre-engineering.
Houghton Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Houghton College provides a supportive and personalized learning environment. Faculty members are highly qualified, and many hold terminal degrees in their fields. Houghton is committed to providing an education that integrates faith and learning, aiming to foster critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
Houghton Diversity
Houghton College is home to a diverse community of students, with around 14% of the student body identifying as a minority. The college is also committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment, offering various programs and initiatives to support students from different backgrounds and cultures.
Houghton Students
Houghton College’s student population is approximately 1,000, providing a close-knit community and plenty of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities. There are over 50 clubs and organizations, including student government, ministry groups, and special interest clubs. Additionally, Houghton offers a range of varsity sports and intramural programs for students to participate in.
Houghton Campus
Houghton College’s picturesque campus spans over 1,300 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, a library, a large dining hall, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The campus offers a serene and inspiring environment for students to live, learn, and grow.
Houghton Alumni
Houghton College boasts a strong alumni network with over 10,000 graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, including education, business, science, and the arts. Alumni of Houghton College have gone on to work in prestigious organizations and pursue further education at top institutions.
Houghton Rankings
Houghton College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has consistently ranked among the top colleges in the nation by various publications. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked Houghton College #17 in Regional Colleges North and #5 in Best Value Schools.
Houghton Outcomes
Houghton College has a strong track record of producing successful graduates, with a 97% placement rate for students in employment, graduate school, or service opportunities within six months of graduation. In addition, the college offers dedicated career services, including resume writing assistance, job search support, and networking opportunities.
Westminster College PA Overview
Westminster College PA is a private liberal arts college located in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Established in 1852, the college has a rich history and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. With a student population of around 1,100, Westminster College PA is committed to providing a high-quality education in a supportive and diverse environment.
Westminster College PA Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Westminster College PA for the 2021-2022 academic year is $38,320, with an additional cost of $11,580 for room and board. Like Houghton College, Westminster College PA offers significant financial aid to its students, with over 98% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Westminster College PA Admissions
Westminster College PA has an acceptance rate of 67%, indicating moderate selectivity. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. The college also has a test-optional policy. The average SAT scores for admitted students are between 990 and 1210, while the average ACT scores range from 20 to 26.
Westminster College PA Degrees Offered
Westminster College PA offers over 40 majors and minors, as well as pre-professional programs and dual-degree programs in partnership with other institutions. Popular majors at Westminster College PA include Business Administration, Communication, Education, Psychology, and Biology.
Westminster College PA Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Westminster College PA provides personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. Faculty members at the college are highly qualified, with over 90% holding a terminal degree in their field. The college is committed to providing a well-rounded education focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Westminster College PA Diversity
Approximately 15% of Westminster College PA’s student body identifies as a minority, and the college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs.
Westminster College PA Students
With around 1,100 students, Westminster College PA offers a close-knit community and a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and varsity sports. Students also have the opportunity to participate in community service and study abroad programs.
Westminster College PA Campus
Westminster College PA’s scenic campus comprises over 300 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including classrooms, residence halls, a library, and recreational spaces. The campus provides an inspiring and comfortable environment for students to live and learn.
Westminster College PA Alumni
Westminster College PA has a strong alumni network of over 20,000 graduates who have made their mark in various fields, such as education, business, science, and the arts. Alumni of Westminster College PA hold positions in prestigious organizations and have pursued further education at esteemed institutions.
Westminster College PA Rankings
Westminster College PA is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been consistently ranked among the top colleges in the nation. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked Westminster College PA #25 in Regional Colleges North and #11 in Best Value Schools.
Westminster College PA Outcome
Westminster College PA has a 93% placement rate for students in employment, graduate school, or service opportunities within six months of graduation. The college also offers dedicated career services, including resume writing assistance, job search support, and networking opportunities.
Houghton vs Westminster College PA Cost Comparison
Both Houghton College and Westminster College PA have similar tuition and room and board costs, with Houghton College’s tuition at $33,920 and Westminster College PA’s tuition at $38,320. However, both colleges offer substantial financial aid packages, making the actual cost for many students significantly lower. It’s essential to consider the financial aid available when comparing the costs of these two colleges.
Houghton vs Westminster College PA Admissions Difficulty
Houghton College and Westminster College PA have comparable acceptance rates, with Houghton College at 72% and Westminster College PA at 67%. Both colleges have a test-optional policy, and the average SAT and ACT scores of admitted students are similar. While neither college is highly selective, they both maintain moderate selectivity in their admissions process.
Houghton vs Westminster College PA Academic Difficulty
Both Houghton College and Westminster College PA are committed to providing a high-quality education with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Both colleges have small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention for students. The academic rigor at both institutions is comparable, and students at both colleges can expect to be challenged and supported throughout their college experience.
Houghton vs Westminster College PA Outcome Comparison
Houghton College has a slightly higher placement rate for graduates, at 97%, compared to Westminster College PA’s 93% placement rate. Both colleges offer dedicated career services and support for students in finding employment, graduate school, or service opportunities after graduation. When considering the outcomes at both colleges, it’s essential to examine individual program success rates and alumni networks in your field of interest.
In conclusion, both Houghton College and Westminster College PA offer high-quality education, supportive learning environments, and diverse campus communities. While there are similarities between the two colleges, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost, academic programs, and campus culture to determine which college is the better fit for you and your educational goals.
