Holy Cross vs. Salve Regina University

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Salve Regina University based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Salve Regina University is in Newport, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salve Regina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Salve Regina University 12:1.

Holy Cross vs. Salve Regina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Salve Regina 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 College of the Holy Cross than Salve Regina University ($36,014 vs. $38,307).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salve Regina University are 1.4% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,550 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 28.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salve Regina University (about $14,400 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $50,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.7% higher at Holy Cross than at Salve Regina University (about $14,400 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $50,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salve Regina University than at College of the Holy Cross (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 37% larger than aid received by Salve Regina University students ($44,334 vs. $32,350).

Holy Cross vs. Salve Regina University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 80 points higher than at Salve Regina University (1250).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Salve Regina University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Salve Regina University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Salve Regina University 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Salve Regina University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Salve Regina University has a higher acceptance rate (68.2%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.2% at Salve Regina University.

Holy Cross vs. Salve Regina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Salve Regina 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 Salve Regina University's (73%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $26,100 more per year than Salve Regina University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salve Regina University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Salve Regina University 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 Salve Regina University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.