Holy Cross vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Lafayette College is in Easton, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lafayette College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Lafayette College 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College ($36,014 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 5.3% lower than at Lafayette College ($18,820 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $898 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Lafayette College than at College of the Holy Cross (about $898 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lafayette College than at College of the Holy Cross (61% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 0.8% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($44,707 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 100 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Lafayette College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Lafayette College has a higher acceptance rate (31.4%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Holy Cross vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Lafayette 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 Lafayette College's (88%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.