Holy Cross vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Providence College is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (4,666 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); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Providence College 11:1.

Holy Cross vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Providence? 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 Providence ($36,014 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 5.2% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,840 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Providence (about $950 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Holy Cross than at Providence College (about $950 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $63,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Providence College than at College of the Holy Cross (83% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Providence College students ($44,334 vs. $31,873).

Holy Cross vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 10 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming Providence students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Providence has a higher acceptance rate (50.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Holy Cross vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Providence? 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 Providence College's (85%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Providence College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Providence 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 Providence 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.