Houghton College (HC)

Houghton College provides "God-centered liberal arts and some science" to students who want "a challenge both academically and spiritually." Although Houghton has "a strong academic record," students feel the focus is more on religion than studying: "Houghton is a place where the students are learning to live life as a community of Christians whose sole purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ," says one student. Houghton is about "learning with God in mind," and students who are looking for "a great Christian atmosphere" will enjoy it here. "Houghton is a close-knit community" "set aside by God for all peoples." Many students were born into the Houghton family, having siblings, parents, or grandparents who attended. The small size also means "smaller class sizes that make it much easier to receive more one on one between student and teacher." "A majority of the professors start out classes with prayer and encourage us to be the best we can for God, not for the world," says one writing major. Professors have "high expectations" and "are wonderful at making even the boring subjects interesting (for the most part) and love to help students both in and out of class." Although students were happy with the professors, they were not as happy with the administration and feel it "should listen more to what the professors and students suggest." "I have recently been disappointed in a few of the decisions made by the administration, even when the student body was overwhelmingly in opposition," explains one English student. "I would like to see more action taken as a result of professor and student preferences, instead of in spite of them."

Students at Houghton are "90 percent white protestant" and "moderate-to-conservative" politically. In this monolithic student body, "the minority really do make up a minor part of the school body's population." "Everyone is religious," and "most of us come from evangelical backgrounds," although "everyone does anything they can to make others feel like they belong." "They could add a little more diversity in opinions and focus more on being real rather than focusing on presenting a particular image," one student bemoans. "The typical student here is of average college age and wears more conservative styles of clothing." Although students who aren't of a conservative, Christian mindset will likely feel stifled here, the school "accepts everyone of any Christian denomination" as long as they are willing to "abide by the Wesleyan rules."

Since Houghton is located in a very secluded area of New York State, there is quite literally NOTHING to do around town, and students have to "make our own fun" out in "the middle of nowhere." "And make our own fun; we do!" one student declares. "There are movie showings, game nights, themed parties (such as superhero parties, Pop-Tart parties, ‘Scene It' parties, and ‘Paradise Island' nights). We like to ski and/or sled, since we get a lot of snow." This small religious school has "a dry-campus, which is comforting" for students seeking that. "Campus activities board (CAB) normally has something to do most days, and though there is not much to do around the town, students are always busy." Students do feel the administration does not "listen to students." And the food in the cafeteria is at best "so-so." "As far as social life goes, there isn't much around, but your social life is what you make it," explains one student. "If you think you need a movie theater and a mall to have fun, Houghton isn't for you."