Houghton University vs Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Houghton University comes closer — median earnings $46,721 against a $82,076 total, vs $40,826 at Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Houghton University | Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,519 | $16,070 |
| Total net cost | $82,076 | $64,280 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $46,721 | $40,826 |
| Median debt | $25,250 | $5,846 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$114,856 | -$214,960 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Houghton University or Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics?
Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics, at $16,070 a year after aid versus $20,519 — a gap of $4,449 a year, or $17,796 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Houghton University or Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics graduates earn more?
Houghton University graduates report a median $46,721 ten years after entry, $5,895 more than the $40,826 at Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Houghton University or Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics?
Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics: its completers carry a median $5,846 in federal loans versus $25,250 at Houghton University, a difference of $19,404. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Houghton University, against 57% at Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.