Holy Cross vs. Rowan University

Comparable Facts

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

Rowan University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (21,026 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); Rowan University is in Glassboro, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rowan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Rowan University 17:1.

Holy Cross vs. Rowan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Rowan 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 Rowan University than Holy Cross ($23,761 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rowan University are 10.1% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($16,928 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 289.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rowan University (about $47,926 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $16,574.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 139.5% higher at Holy Cross than at Rowan University (about $37,568 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $26,932.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rowan University than at College of the Holy Cross (93% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 257% larger than aid received by Rowan University students ($44,334 vs. $12,419).

Holy Cross vs. Rowan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 120 points higher than at Rowan University (1210).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Rowan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Rowan University 1110/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Rowan University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Rowan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Rowan University has a higher acceptance rate (77.7%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 23% at Rowan University.

Holy Cross vs. Rowan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Rowan 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 Rowan University's (68%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than Rowan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $53,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rowan University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Rowan University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($206 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rowan University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 67%)

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.