Holy Cross vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (11,946 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 Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or U of R? 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 U of R ($36,014 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 4.9% lower than at University of Rochester ($18,820 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $2,580 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at U of R than at College of the Holy Cross (about $2,580 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at College of the Holy Cross (72% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 2.6% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($45,500 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross or U of R? 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 U of R and Holy Cross.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 150 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming U of R students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 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 Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; U of R - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Holy Cross vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and U of R? 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 University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($253 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 79%)

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.