Houghton University, located in the scenic Western New York region, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. Established in 1883, the university has a rich history of providing a holistic education that integrates faith and learning. Houghton University emphasizes its core values through its motto, "To Know Him and Make Him Known," which reflects its dedication to fostering a community where students can deepen their understanding of their faith while preparing for their future careers. The campus is characterized by a vibrant and supportive community, where students are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities, including music, theater, and athletics, fostering a well-rounded student experience.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in the arts, humanities, and sciences. With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, Houghton University prides itself on its dedicated faculty members who are not only accomplished in their fields but also committed to mentoring and guiding students throughout their academic journey. The university’s picturesque campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces that promote both learning and personal growth. Houghton University’s commitment to student life is evident in its array of student organizations, service opportunities, and cultural events, creating a nurturing environment that prepares graduates for success in their chosen professions and in their communities.

Analysis of Key Trends in Houghton University Data

Houghton University, a private institution, has exhibited notable trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over recent years.

Firstly, the tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have steadily increased from approximately $27,728 in 2014 to $34,466 in 2021, marking a significant rise of about 24%. A brief decrease in 2022 to $16,446 can be attributed to external factors, potentially including economic conditions or institutional changes, before a rebound to $17,290 in 2024. This fluctuation highlights the financial pressures students face and may influence future enrollment decisions.

Secondly, student enrollment has shown a concerning downward trend. The number of undergraduate students dropped from 1,147 in 2013 to just 805 in 2023, representing a decline of approximately 30%. This decrease raises questions about the university's appeal and the competitive landscape of higher education, especially in light of rising tuition costs and changing student preferences.

Moreover, graduation rates have fluctuated, with the timely graduation rate dipping to 56.4% in 2023 after peaking at 66.8% in 2020. This decline may reflect challenges students face in completing their degrees on time, potentially exacerbated by increased financial burdens.

Retention rates also present a mixed picture. While there was a peak retention rate of approximately 90.9% in 2019, it fell to 80.6% in 2023, suggesting that more students are choosing to leave before completing their studies. This trend could be linked to the aforementioned increases in tuition and decreasing enrollment numbers.

In conclusion, Houghton University is at a crossroads, facing challenges related to tuition affordability, student retention, and graduation rates. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's future sustainability and its ability to attract and retain students in an increasingly competitive higher education environment.

Analysis of Graduate Numbers by Major at Houghton University in 2023

The data from Houghton University for the year 2023 presents a diverse range of graduate programs, highlighting the varying levels of student interest and enrollment across disciplines. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program produced 10 master's graduates, indicating a strong focus on business-related education, which aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of business skills in the current job market.

In the realm of undergraduate programs, Biology/Biological Sciences emerged as a significant field with 26 graduates, showcasing the ongoing interest in life sciences, which is likely spurred by the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and research scientists. Conversely, Education programs, particularly Elementary Education, saw only 18 graduates, suggesting potential challenges in attracting students to teaching careers amid a competitive job landscape.

Interestingly, the data also reveals a lack of graduates in several areas, including Environmental Studies and various performing arts disciplines, which may reflect either a decreased interest or possibly a lack of resources and faculty to support these programs effectively. The absence of graduates in fields like Philosophy and Criminal Justice may also indicate shifting societal values and career aspirations among students, with more favoring degrees that offer clearer pathways to employment.

Furthermore, the presence of international students in the Biological Sciences and Information Sciences fields, albeit in small numbers, underscores the university's role in attracting a global student body, particularly in high-demand fields. Overall, this data reflects broader educational trends and highlights areas for potential growth and investment at Houghton University.

Analysis of Houghton University's Admission Trends

The admission data for Houghton University over the years reveals several interesting trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Starting from 2009, the acceptance rates for male and female students were relatively high, indicating a more lenient admission process. However, the data shows a noticeable decline in acceptance rates, particularly for male applicants, reaching a low of approximately 68% in 2012. Interestingly, the years following 2012 exhibit significant fluctuations in acceptance rates. For instance, in 2014 and 2015, the rates for male applicants surged to over 92%, signifying a potential strategic shift in admission policies aimed at increasing enrollment. The number of students enrolled also varied considerably, with peaks in certain years, suggesting a responsive approach to the changing educational landscape and possibly a reaction to external factors like economic conditions. The data also highlights the number of denied applicants, with notable spikes in rejection rates in certain years, particularly during the earlier years of this dataset. For example, in 2012, the university denied over 300 applicants, reflecting a more competitive admission environment. This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including a larger applicant pool or strategic goals for maintaining the institution’s academic standards. Overall, Houghton University appears to have adapted its admissions strategy over the years, responding to broader trends in higher education. The fluctuating acceptance rates and varying enrollment numbers suggest a dynamic institution committed to finding a balance between maintaining quality and expanding its student body. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for Houghton University to remain agile in its admissions practices to attract and retain a diverse and talented student population.

Analysis of Houghton University's Admission Scores Over the Years

The data from Houghton University reveals significant trends in admission scores and the number of applicants submitting standardized test results over the years. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a noticeable fluctuation in both the SAT and ACT scores, as well as the participation rates among applicants.

Initially, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores remained consistently high, with rates around 90% in the earlier years. However, by 2022, this figure dropped dramatically to just 28%, and it slightly improved to 31% in 2023. This decline may reflect a broader shift in college admissions practices, where many institutions are moving toward test-optional policies. Such changes are likely influenced by a growing recognition of the limitations of standardized tests in assessing a student's potential.

In examining the scores, we see that the 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores for both reading and math sections of the SAT have fluctuated, with the most recent data from 2023 showing a range from 570 to 670 in reading. This indicates that while the university has maintained competitive score ranges, the overall trend in scores appears to be stabilizing after some years of decline.

Moreover, the ACT participation and scores also reflect similar trends, with the percentage of applicants submitting scores decreasing significantly in recent years. This trend aligns with national patterns where many students are opting out of standardized tests, likely due to changes in educational approaches and increased emphasis on holistic admissions processes.

Overall, Houghton University's admission data highlights the evolving landscape of college admissions, characterized by changing participation rates in standardized testing and a potential shift toward more holistic evaluations of student qualifications. As this trend continues, it will be crucial for universities to adapt their admission strategies to attract a diverse and capable student body.

Student Demographics at Houghton University 2023

The student demographic data for Houghton University in 2023 reveals an interesting composition of the student body, particularly in terms of gender distribution and racial diversity. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 175 students, with a notable 40.6% being male and 59.4% female. This trend continues among the undergraduate sophomores, where the gender ratio shifts slightly with 35.6% male and 64.4% female among the 542 students.

The data indicates a significant female presence across the undergraduate categories, which aligns with national trends in higher education where female enrollment has surpassed male enrollment in many institutions. This phenomenon raises questions about the factors contributing to this disparity, such as academic interests and societal influences.

Additionally, the racial breakdown among students is crucial for understanding the university's commitment to diversity. Although specific figures for the racial demographics of sophomores and transfers are not available, the overall representation of different ethnic groups is vital for fostering an inclusive educational environment. The presence of various ethnicities enriches the academic experience and enhances cultural awareness among students.

Moreover, the data highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining a balanced gender ratio and ensuring diverse representation. As universities strive to create equitable opportunities for all students, it is essential to address these disparities and promote inclusiveness. This demographic information not only shapes the university's policies but also impacts the broader community and its future workforce. Overall, Houghton University demonstrates a commitment to diversity and gender equity, reflecting broader trends in higher education.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Houghton University

The age composition of students at Houghton University reveals significant insights into its demographic landscape, particularly among undergraduate and graduate populations. The majority of students fall within the traditional college age range of 18-24. Specifically, students aged 18-19 account for approximately 38% of the total female enrollment and about 29% of total male enrollment. This highlights a strong presence of younger students, indicating that Houghton University attracts a significant number of first-time college attendees.

Interestingly, the data shows that as students age, the number of enrolled students declines sharply. For instance, only 6% of the total male students and 8% of female students are aged 25-29, and the numbers dwindle further in older age categories. This trend is not uncommon in higher education institutions, where younger students typically dominate enrollment figures. However, it also suggests that the university may have limited appeal or support for non-traditional students, who often juggle education with work and family commitments.

The presence of graduate students aged 22-24 is noteworthy, suggesting that many individuals pursue further education shortly after completing their undergraduate degrees. This indicates a robust pipeline from undergraduate to graduate education, which can be beneficial for the institution's reputation and academic offerings.

In conclusion, Houghton University’s student age distribution pattern reflects a typical trend observed in many universities, with a strong emphasis on younger students. This demographic insight could inform university policies, program offerings, and support systems aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for all age groups.

Analysis of International Student Data at Houghton University

The data regarding international students at Houghton University reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. From 2004 to 2023, international undergraduate enrollment has generally increased, peaking at 11.09% in 2016. This indicates a growing attraction for Houghton University among international students, possibly due to its academic programs or campus environment. However, there have been significant drops in the total undergraduate population, particularly in recent years, which could be attributed to broader trends in higher education or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In contrast, the proportion of international graduate students appears to have varied more significantly, with the highest percentage reaching 17.24% in 2020. The notable increase in graduate international enrollment during this time may reflect a global shift towards advanced degrees and the increasing value placed on international education.

It is essential to consider that fluctuations in international enrollment can be influenced by various factors, including immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the university's recruitment strategies. The recent data indicates a slight resurgence in international undergraduate enrollment in 2023, suggesting that Houghton University may be recovering from the pandemic's impact.

Overall, while Houghton University has made strides in attracting international students, ongoing efforts will be crucial to maintain and grow these numbers in an increasingly competitive educational landscape. This analysis underscores the importance of adaptive strategies to promote the university's offerings to a diverse student body.

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Houghton University:

1. University at Buffalo (Ranked 76) - A flagship institution of the State University of New York system, known for its research and diverse academic programs.

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (Ranked 98) - Renowned for its strong emphasis on career-oriented education and its programs in engineering, technology, and the arts.

3. University of Rochester (Ranked 47) - A prestigious private research university with a strong focus on research and liberal arts education.

4. Cornell University (Ranked 12) - An Ivy League university offering a wide range of programs and known for its commitment to public service and research.

5. Syracuse University (Ranked 67) - A private research university known for its diverse programs, particularly in communications, business, and the arts.

6. Binghamton University (Ranked 73) - A well-regarded public research university recognized for its academic rigor and vibrant student community.

7. Hamilton College (Ranked 16) - A highly selective liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on writing and critical thinking.

These institutions offer a variety of academic opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Houghton University

The data on crime rates at Houghton University reveals some notable trends over the years. In 2013, the average crime rate per 1000 students was relatively low at 2.23, but it experienced a sharp increase in 2014 to 6.73. This spike may indicate a period of increased incidents, which could be attributed to various factors such as changes in campus security policies or social dynamics among students.

The years following, particularly 2015 to 2017, showed fluctuations with crime rates hovering around 2.80 to 6.99. Interestingly, 2018 marked another rise to 7.67, suggesting ongoing challenges related to campus safety. The data for 2020 and 2021 indicates a peak in crime rates at 8.67 and 8.65 respectively, potentially reflecting broader societal issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have been widely reported to affect college environments in various ways.

However, a significant drop occurred in 2022, where the crime rate fell to 1.79, the lowest in the observed period. This decline could suggest effective intervention measures or a shift in student behavior and campus culture. The subsequent year, 2023, saw a slight increase to 5.28, indicating that while there are improvements, challenges remain.

These trends highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures in maintaining campus safety. Understanding the underlying causes of these fluctuations is essential for further improving security measures and fostering a safer educational environment. For more on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.