Holy Cross vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Olin 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 College of the Holy Cross than Olin College ($36,014 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 9.6% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($18,820 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $1,898 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Olin College than at College of the Holy Cross (about $1,898 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 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 2.4% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($44,334 vs. $43,290).

Holy Cross vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 200 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Holy Cross vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $12,790 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($14,710 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $132 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($152 vs. $284).

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.