Butler vs. Holy Cross College

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Butler University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Holy Cross College 13:1.

Butler vs. Holy Cross College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Holy Cross College? 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 Holy Cross College than Butler ($22,421 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 22.7% lower than at Butler University ($12,700 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 29.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $10,960 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.9% higher at Butler than at Holy Cross College (about $10,960 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at Holy Cross College (97% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Cross College students is 2.3% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($28,416 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Holy Cross College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Holy Cross College? 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 College and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 120 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Butler students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Holy Cross College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Holy Cross College 980/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Holy Cross College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Holy Cross College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 19.5% at Holy Cross College.

Butler vs. Holy Cross College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Holy Cross College? 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 64%)

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.