Holy Cross vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY at Purchase College is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,333 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); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Holy Cross vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Holy Cross ($18,211 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 12.7% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($16,436 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 620.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $55,547 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 235.9% higher at Holy Cross than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $45,297 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at College of the Holy Cross (72% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 325% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($44,334 vs. $10,432).

Holy Cross vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 50 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Holy Cross vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $40,200 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($232 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 65%)

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.