Holy Cross vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,745 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); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Holy Cross vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University than Holy Cross ($12,778 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 24% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($14,307 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 447.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $52,714 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 261% higher at Holy Cross than at Worcester State University (about $46,634 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at College of the Holy Cross (80% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 368.4% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($44,334 vs. $9,464).

Holy Cross vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University and Holy Cross.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 180 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Holy Cross vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $31,200 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($206 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 66%)

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.