Holy Cross vs. Princeton

Comparable Facts

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

Princeton University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (9,137 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); Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Princeton University 5:1.

Holy Cross vs. Princeton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Princeton? 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 Princeton University than Holy Cross ($15,313 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 7.1% lower than at Princeton University ($18,820 vs. $20,250).
• College of the Holy Cross is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Princeton (about $1,812 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Holy Cross than at Princeton University (about $1,812 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Princeton University than at College of the Holy Cross (67% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 55% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($68,727 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Princeton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 220 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Princeton students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Princeton University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Princeton University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Princeton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Princeton Jan 1, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 75.5% at Princeton.

Holy Cross vs. Princeton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Princeton? 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).

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $33,500 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $20,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($7,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $207 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($77 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Princeton students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 83%)

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.