Northwestern vs. Holy Cross College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwestern University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Holy Cross College 13:1.

Northwestern vs. Holy Cross College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern 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 Northwestern ($22,421 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 39.9% lower than at Northwestern University ($12,700 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 86.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $31,722 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.7% higher at Northwestern than at Holy Cross College (about $31,722 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Holy Cross College than at Northwestern University (72% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 126.7% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($64,429 vs. $28,416).

Northwestern vs. Holy Cross College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern 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 Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 400 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Holy Cross College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Holy Cross College 980/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Holy Cross College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Holy Cross College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 19.5% at Holy Cross College.

Northwestern vs. Holy Cross College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $46,000 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $3,747 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross College graduates ($19,378 vs. $23,125).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross College graduates ($200 vs. $239).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross College students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.