Holy Cross vs. MCPHS

Comparable Facts

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

MCPHS University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,945 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); MCPHS University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. MCPHS University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; MCPHS University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. MCPHS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or MCPHS? 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 MCPHS ($36,014 vs. $41,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 23.8% lower than at MCPHS University ($18,820 vs. $24,704).
• College of the Holy Cross is 59.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCPHS (about $23,970 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $40,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.1% higher at Holy Cross than at MCPHS University (about $23,970 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $40,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at MCPHS University 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 86.5% larger than aid received by MCPHS University students ($44,334 vs. $23,767).

Holy Cross vs. MCPHS Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 40 points higher than at MCPHS (1290).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at MCPHS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; MCPHS University 1160/1416.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; MCPHS University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; MCPHS - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• MCPHS has a higher acceptance rate (85.2%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.1% at MCPHS.

Holy Cross vs. MCPHS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and MCPHS? 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 MCPHS University's (69%).
• Graduates from MCPHS University earn a median of about $22,300 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, MCPHS University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, MCPHS graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCPHS 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.