Principia College vs. Holy Cross College

Comparable Facts

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

Holy Cross College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (661 students vs. 339 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Holy Cross College 13:1.

Principia College vs. Holy Cross College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia 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 Principia College than Holy Cross College ($18,248 vs. $22,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 8.7% lower than at Principia College ($12,700 vs. $13,910).
• Holy Cross College is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $1,920 more per year; $36,600.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Holy Cross College than at Principia College (about $1,920 more per year; $36,600.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Principia College than at Holy Cross College (90% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 7% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($30,402 vs. $28,416).

Principia College vs. Holy Cross College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or Holy Cross College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Holy Cross College and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 10 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Incoming Holy Cross College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Principia College 1040/1250; Holy Cross College 980/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Principia College 19/23; Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Holy Cross College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Principia College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).

Principia College vs. Holy Cross College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Holy Cross College? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Holy Cross College's six-year graduation rate is 13%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Principia College.
• Graduates from Holy Cross College have median earnings of about $43,800 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Principia College.

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.