Holy Cross vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

Gonzaga University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (7,470 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); Gonzaga University is in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Gonzaga University 12:1.

Holy Cross vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Gonzaga? 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 Gonzaga ($36,014 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 16.4% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,730 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 16.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gonzaga (about $9,020 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at Holy Cross than at Gonzaga University (about $9,020 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $55,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga 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 32.8% larger than aid received by Gonzaga University students ($44,334 vs. $33,390).

Holy Cross vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 40 points higher than at Gonzaga (1290).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Gonzaga (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Gonzaga has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

Holy Cross vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Gonzaga? 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 Gonzaga University's (83%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than Gonzaga graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $61,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gonzaga University graduates have a $1,106 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,394 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Gonzaga graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($272 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gonzaga 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.