Holy Cross vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (29,109 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); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

Holy Cross vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Penn? 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 University of Pennsylvania than Holy Cross ($23,570 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 1.8% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($18,820 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $4,186 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Penn than at College of the Holy Cross (about $4,186 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at University of Pennsylvania (57% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 47.6% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($65,458 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 210 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Penn students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 68% at Penn.

Holy Cross vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Penn? 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).

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $43,200 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $6,867 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($20,633 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($213 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn 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.