Holy Cross vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Union College 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Union 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 College of the Holy Cross than Union College ($36,014 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 9.6% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,010 vs. $18,820).
• Union College is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $4,539 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Union College than at College of the Holy Cross (about $4,539 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at College of the Holy Cross (96% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 4.2% larger than aid received by Union College students ($44,334 vs. $42,534).

Holy Cross vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 70 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Union College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Holy Cross vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Union College 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 Union College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.