Brandeis University vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis 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.

Brandeis University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Brandeis 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: Brandeis University 10:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Brandeis University vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University 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 Brandeis University ($36,014 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 5.6% lower than at Brandeis University ($18,820 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $3,580 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Brandeis University than at College of the Holy Cross (about $3,580 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at College of the Holy Cross (62% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($44,334 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University 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 Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 130 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Brandeis University vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University 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).

• The graduation rate at Brandeis University is the same as at College of the Holy Cross (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Brandeis University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.