Holy Cross College vs. St. Ambrose University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Ambrose University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (2,498 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Holy Cross College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting); Saint Ambrose University is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Holy Cross College 13:1; Saint Ambrose University 11:1.

Holy Cross College vs. St. Ambrose University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross College or St. Ambrose 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 Holy Cross College than St. Ambrose University ($22,421 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 5.1% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($12,700 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 0.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $58 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.2% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Holy Cross College (about $58 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Holy Cross College students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Saint Ambrose University students ($28,416 vs. $25,877).

Holy Cross College vs. St. Ambrose University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross College or St. Ambrose 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 St. Ambrose University and Holy Cross College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Holy Cross College (1140) is 90 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming Holy Cross College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 980/1300; Saint Ambrose University 930/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 23/31; Saint Ambrose University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross College - Test-free; St. Ambrose University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Ambrose University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• St. Ambrose University has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Holy Cross College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Holy Cross College vs. 16.7% at St. Ambrose University .

Holy Cross College vs. St. Ambrose University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross College and St. Ambrose 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).

• Saint Ambrose University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $2,639 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($23,125 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($239 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.