Fitchburg State vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

Fitchburg State University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University than Holy Cross ($15,340 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 17.9% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,452 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 468.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $53,154 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 270.1% higher at Holy Cross than at Fitchburg State University (about $47,074 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fitchburg State University than at College of the Holy Cross (92% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 284.2% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($44,334 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 180 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCollege of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Fitchburg State vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $36,400 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $4,815 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($234 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 65%)

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.