Holy Cross vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

Colgate University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,211 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); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Colgate? 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 Colgate University than Holy Cross ($28,736 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 6.4% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,610 vs. $18,820).
• Colgate University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $5,806 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Colgate than at College of the Holy Cross (about $5,806 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Colgate University (57% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 31.6% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($58,334 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Holy Cross vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $11,375 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $118 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($166 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.