Holy Cross vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

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

Brown University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (11,956 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); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Brown University 6:1.

Holy Cross vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Brown? 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 Brown University than Holy Cross ($26,256 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brown University are 7.3% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,444 vs. $18,820).
• Brown University is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $6,912 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at Brown than at College of the Holy Cross (about $6,912 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Brown University (57% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 38.5% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($61,392 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Brown Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 220 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Brown students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Brown - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Brown (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 65.2% at Brown.

Holy Cross vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Brown? 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).

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from Brown University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,600 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brown University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($15,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Brown graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($155 vs. $284).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.