Holy Cross vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Smith College 8:1.

Holy Cross vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Smith College? 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 Smith College than Holy Cross ($27,305 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 16.6% lower than at Smith College ($18,820 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $678 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Smith College than at College of the Holy Cross (about $678 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at College of the Holy Cross (67% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 32.5% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($58,725 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 150 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Holy Cross vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Smith College? 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 Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $31,500 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($196 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Smith College 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.