Bentley vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

Bentley University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,333 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bentley University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Bentley 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: Bentley University 12:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Bentley vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bentley 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 Bentley ($36,014 vs. $45,802).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 6.6% lower than at Bentley University ($18,820 vs. $20,140).
• College of the Holy Cross is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bentley (about $3,500 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Holy Cross than at Bentley University (about $3,500 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $61,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bentley University than at College of the Holy Cross (88% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 31.7% larger than aid received by Bentley University students ($44,334 vs. $33,673).

Bentley vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bentley 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 Bentley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 30 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Bentley students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Holy Cross (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 1280/1430; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bentley University 28/31; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bentley - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bentley Jan 15, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.3% at Bentley vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Bentley vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bentley 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 Bentley University's (88%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bentley University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Bentley graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($274 vs. $284).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 87%)

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.