Holy Cross vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio Northern University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,140 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); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

Holy Cross vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University than Holy Cross ($25,941 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Northern University are 22.4% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($14,604 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 62.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ONU (about $24,700 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.1% higher at Holy Cross than at Ohio Northern University (about $24,700 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at College of the Holy Cross (97% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Ohio Northern University students ($44,334 vs. $27,696).

Holy Cross vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 40 points higher than at ONU (1290).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at ONU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 19.9% at ONU.

Holy Cross vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than ONU graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $71,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio Northern University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, ONU 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 ONU students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.