Holy Cross College vs. Luther- Norse

Comparable Facts

Compare Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with Luther College in Decorah, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Luther College is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (1,384 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Holy Cross College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting); Luther College is in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Holy Cross College 13:1; Luther College 9:1.

Holy Cross College vs. Luther- Norse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross College or Luther- Norse? 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 Holy Cross College than Luther- Norse ($22,421 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 9.2% lower than at Holy Cross College ($11,530 vs. $12,700).
• Luther College is 42.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $15,520 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.4% higher at Luther- Norse than at Holy Cross College (about $15,520 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 44% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($40,917 vs. $28,416).

Holy Cross College vs. Luther- Norse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross College or Luther- Norse? 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 Luther- Norse and Holy Cross College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Luther College (1240) is 100 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Holy Cross College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 980/1300; Luther College 1078/1406.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 23/31; Luther College 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross College - Test-free; Luther- Norse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Holy Cross College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Holy Cross College vs. 19.9% at Luther- Norse.

Holy Cross College vs. Luther- Norse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross College and Luther- Norse? 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).

• Luther College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 64%)

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.