Holy Cross vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (7,692 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); Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Lehigh University 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University than Holy Cross ($34,154 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 8.5% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,220 vs. $18,820).
• Lehigh University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $480 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Lehigh than at College of the Holy Cross (about $480 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lehigh University than at College of the Holy Cross (65% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($46,731 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 110 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Lehigh 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; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Lehigh has a higher acceptance rate (25.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Holy Cross vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University's (87%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $3,244 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($24,256 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($250 vs. $284).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.