Holy Cross vs. Saint Louis University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Louis University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (17,059 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); Saint Louis University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Louis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Saint Louis University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Saint Louis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University than Holy Cross ($27,749 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Louis University are 18.8% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,280 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Louis University (about $8,740 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at Holy Cross than at Saint Louis University (about $8,740 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Louis University than at College of the Holy Cross (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Louis University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($44,657 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Saint Louis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 20 points higher than at Saint Louis University (1310).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Saint Louis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Saint Louis University 1200/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Saint Louis University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Saint Louis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Saint Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.9% at Saint Louis University.

Holy Cross vs. Saint Louis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University's (61%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than Saint Louis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $61,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Louis University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Saint Louis University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Louis University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 74%)

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.