Holy Cross vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

Marist University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (6,356 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); Marist University is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Marist University 15:1.

Holy Cross vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Marist University? 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 Marist University ($36,014 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marist University are 1.9% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,460 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 35.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marist University (about $16,750 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.1% higher at Holy Cross than at Marist University (about $16,750 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marist University than at College of the Holy Cross (96% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 76.9% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($44,334 vs. $25,067).

Holy Cross vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 60 points higher than at Marist University (1270).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Marist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Marist University has a higher acceptance rate (56.5%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

Holy Cross vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Marist University? 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 Marist University's (80%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than Marist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $59,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marist University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Marist University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marist University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

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.