University of Holy Cross vs. Bowdoin College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, LA with Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowdoin College is larger than University of Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 802 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Holy Cross is located in New Orleans, LA (Large City setting); Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting).
• University of Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Holy Cross 7:1; Bowdoin College 9:1.

University of Holy Cross vs. Bowdoin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Holy Cross or Bowdoin 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 University of Holy Cross than Bowdoin College ($14,420 vs. $22,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Holy Cross are 36.2% lower than at Bowdoin College ($11,802 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 309.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Holy Cross (about $51,256 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $16,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 309.2% higher at Bowdoin College than at University of Holy Cross (about $51,256 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $16,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Holy Cross than at Bowdoin College (97% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 388.9% larger than aid received by University of Holy Cross students ($62,872 vs. $12,861).

University of Holy Cross vs. Bowdoin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Holy Cross or Bowdoin 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 Bowdoin College and University of Holy Cross.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBowdoin College 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Holy Cross - Test-free; Bowdoin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Holy Cross Jul 20, 2027; Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027.
• University of Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (73.7%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at University of Holy Cross vs. 53.6% at Bowdoin College.

University of Holy Cross vs. Bowdoin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Holy Cross and Bowdoin 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).

• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $33,300 more per year than University of Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $13,625 lower median loan debt than University of Holy Cross graduates ($18,833 vs. $32,458).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $141 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Holy Cross graduates ($194 vs. $335).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 48%)

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.