North Central College vs. Holy Cross College

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Central College is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (3,003 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Holy Cross College 13:1.

North Central College vs. Holy Cross College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or Holy Cross College? 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 North Central College ($22,421 vs. $23,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 13.5% lower than at North Central College ($12,700 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $9,126 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.9% higher at North Central College than at Holy Cross College (about $9,126 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($34,056 vs. $28,416).

North Central College vs. Holy Cross College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Holy Cross College? 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 College and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central College (1180) is 40 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Holy Cross College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Holy Cross College 980/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Holy Cross College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Holy Cross College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 19.5% at Holy Cross College.

North Central College vs. Holy Cross College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Holy Cross College? 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from North Central College earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $1,875 lower median loan debt than North Central College graduates ($23,125 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central College graduates ($239 vs. $258).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.