Holy Cross vs. Adelphi University

Comparable Facts

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

Adelphi University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (7,603 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Adelphi University is in Garden City, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Adelphi University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Adelphi University 12:1.

Holy Cross vs. Adelphi University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Adelphi University? 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 Adelphi University than Holy Cross ($31,303 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 6% lower than at Adelphi University ($18,820 vs. $20,028).
• College of the Holy Cross is 31.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adelphi University (about $15,390 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at Holy Cross than at Adelphi University (about $15,390 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $49,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adelphi University than at College of the Holy Cross (95% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 38.6% larger than aid received by Adelphi University students ($44,334 vs. $31,976).

Holy Cross vs. Adelphi University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross or Adelphi University? 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 Adelphi University and Holy Cross.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 100 points higher than at Adelphi University (1230).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Adelphi University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Adelphi University 1120/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Adelphi University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Adelphi University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Adelphi University has a higher acceptance rate (65.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 10.3% at Adelphi University.

Holy Cross vs. Adelphi University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Adelphi University? 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 Adelphi University's (66%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than Adelphi University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Adelphi University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($263 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adelphi University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 70%)

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.