Holy Cross vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Wellesley College is in Wellesley, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wellesley College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Wellesley College 7:1.

Holy Cross vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Wellesley? 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 Wellesley College than Holy Cross ($22,174 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 10.5% lower than at Wellesley College ($18,820 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $2,676 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Wellesley than at College of the Holy Cross (about $2,676 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Wellesley College (57% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 44.6% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($64,116 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Wellesley students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Holy Cross vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Wellesley graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $68,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $18,600 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($8,900 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $192 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($92 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wellesley 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.