Holy Cross vs. Pace University

Comparable Facts

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

Pace University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (13,634 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); Pace University is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pace University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Pace University 14:1.

Holy Cross vs. Pace University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Pace 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 Pace University than Holy Cross ($34,791 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 16.6% lower than at Pace University ($18,820 vs. $22,553).
• College of the Holy Cross is 21% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pace University (about $11,210 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21% higher at Holy Cross than at Pace University (about $11,210 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pace University than at College of the Holy Cross (99% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 26.2% larger than aid received by Pace University students ($44,334 vs. $35,136).

Holy Cross vs. Pace University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 70 points higher than at Pace University (1260).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Pace University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Pace University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Pace University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Pace University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Pace University has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 8.1% at Pace University.

Holy Cross vs. Pace University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Pace 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 Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Pace University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $63,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Pace University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($258 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 65%)

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.