AU vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

AU vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Holy Cross? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of the Holy Cross than AU ($36,014 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 4.5% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,982 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $5,729 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Holy Cross than at American University (about $5,729 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $58,771.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at American University than at College of the Holy Cross (67% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 22% larger than aid received by American University students ($44,334 vs. $36,349).

AU vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Holy Cross? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Holy Cross and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 40 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

AU vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Holy Cross? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• College of the Holy Cross's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than American University's (77%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($250 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.