Holy Cross vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University 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); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Simmons 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 Simmons University than Holy Cross ($28,691 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 6.4% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,618 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $17,626 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.6% higher at Holy Cross than at Simmons University (about $17,626 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons 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 26.2% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($44,334 vs. $35,123).

Holy Cross vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 20 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Simmons University 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; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Holy Cross vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $27,600 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Simmons 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 Simmons University 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.