Holy Cross vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

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

Ithaca College is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (4,767 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); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Ithaca 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 Ithaca College than Holy Cross ($35,253 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 14% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($16,192 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $10,960 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Holy Cross than at Ithaca College (about $10,960 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College 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 32.5% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($44,334 vs. $33,450).

Holy Cross vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 20 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Holy Cross vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Ithaca 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $24,300 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($266 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ithaca College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.