Holy Cross vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (21,153 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); Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Drexel University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Drexel? 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 Drexel ($36,014 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 3.8% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,096 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $2,088 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Holy Cross than at Drexel University (about $2,088 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at College of the Holy Cross (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 26.5% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($44,334 vs. $35,051).

Holy Cross vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 10 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Drexel (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Holy Cross vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Drexel? 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Drexel graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $77,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drexel University graduates have a $1,257 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,243 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Drexel graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($271 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 77%)

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.