Fairfield University vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Holy Cross? 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 Fairfield University ($36,014 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 5.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,820 vs. $19,838).
• College of the Holy Cross is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $6,150 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Holy Cross than at Fairfield University (about $6,150 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at College of the Holy Cross (96% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 68.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($44,334 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is the same as at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Fairfield University vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Holy Cross? 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 Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.