Holy Cross vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Holy Cross ($28,719 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 7% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,510 vs. $18,820).
• Hamilton College is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $4,460 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Hamilton College than at College of the Holy Cross (about $4,460 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Hamilton College (57% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 25.2% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($55,511 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Hamilton College 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; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Holy Cross vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Hamilton 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).

• College of the Holy Cross's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,740 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $122 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($162 vs. $284).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.