Holy Cross vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (10,041 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); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Villanova? 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 Villanova ($36,014 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 6% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,694 vs. $18,820).
• Villanova University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $3,276 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at Villanova than at College of the Holy Cross (about $3,276 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Villanova University (57% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($47,609 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 120 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Villanova 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; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Villanova has a higher acceptance rate (27%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Holy Cross vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Villanova? 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 Villanova University's (90%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Villanova University graduates have a $1,003 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,497 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Villanova graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($273 vs. $284).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 87%)

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.