Gordon College vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Gordon College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 1,595 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gordon College is located in Wenham, MA (Large Suburban setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Gordon College 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: Gordon College 10:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Gordon College vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gordon College 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 Gordon College than Holy Cross ($25,299 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gordon College are 29.3% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($13,300 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 110.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gordon College (about $33,800 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $30,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.1% higher at Holy Cross than at Gordon College (about $33,800 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $30,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gordon College than at College of the Holy Cross (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 163.9% larger than aid received by Gordon College students ($44,334 vs. $16,802).

Gordon College vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gordon College 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 Gordon College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 90 points higher than at Gordon College (1240).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Gordon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon College 1130/1355; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon College 25/31; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gordon College - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gordon College Feb 1, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Gordon College has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Gordon College vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Gordon College vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gordon College 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 Gordon College's (74%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $35,100 more per year than Gordon College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gordon College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Gordon College 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 Gordon College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 85%)

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.