Houghton College

Statistics

Students Say - Academics
Houghton College, "a small Christian liberal arts school" that is "a particularly good choice for those looking into music, the sciences, and ministry," offers students "an academically challenging experience complemented by a Christian atmosphere and dedication to creating scholar servants." A small student body and a remote location mean the entire community is "connected through many activities and classes....We get to know our professors as well as our fellow students." It also "allows for quite a bit of discussion in class (the average class size is 21 students). This is a valuable part of my education, since I have learned so much not just from professors' lectures but also from fellow students as we digest information and discuss its application to life and faith." Outstanding disciplines include biology (featuring "impressive equipment for a small college" and allows many professors to "design their own labs for students, sometimes writing a lab book solely for use at Houghton"), a "great equestrian program," and solid programs in music and education. Students report "many juniors and seniors take advantage of independent study options, where they can pursue an academic interest one-on-one with a professor." Study-abroad programs also attract many students who, as a result of their experiences, become "very interested in going out and getting involved in global issues affecting the world's population."

Students Say - Campus Life
Houghton is located in a remote area that, depending on your perspective, is either "beautiful...with many things going on" or "boring." Some simply appreciate how the seclusion leaves them "able to concentrate on school and not worry about going shopping or partying." Others note "Houghton offers a wide variety of groups and organizations to be involved with, ranging from rock climbing and paddle sports to Student Government and Evangelicals for Social Activism to Gadfly. Life at Houghton is never dull and there are always people around willing to talk over a cup of coffee or try anything fun, crazy, and exciting." Undergrads also "play a lot of sports, go to sporting events, watch movies, and come up with random ways to have fun." "A lot of our out-of-class time, however, is spent doing homework," says a student. Whatever 'typical' party scene exists here is "hidden from the general population" because "alcohol, illegal drugs, and sexual promiscuity" are all banned (and could result in expulsion).

Students Say - Student Body
Houghton is made up mostly of white Protestant students, reports a student, with more than "10 percent...having lived a majority of their lives overseas." Many are "the stereotypical born-again Christians" who "grew up in the church; many with parents who worked in some capacity within the church." Most are "from New York or Pennsylvania," and "as a result they can go home any weekend they want," leaving "students from farther away...feeling stranded on an isolated campus." Locals are "used to the weather" (i.e. cold winters), while "other students may not be so content with the location." At a nearly two-to-one clip, "Houghton has more females than males."

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