Yale vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

Compare Yale University in New Haven, CT with College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Yale University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Yale University 5:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Yale vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Yale or Holy Cross? 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 Yale University than Holy Cross ($22,408 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 5.4% lower than at Yale University ($18,820 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $2,750 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Yale than at College of the Holy Cross (about $2,750 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Yale University (57% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 48.6% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($65,892 vs. $44,334).

Yale vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Yale or Holy Cross? 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 and Yale.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 190 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Yale students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 1470/1570; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Yale University 33/35; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Yale - Required; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Yale Jan 2, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 69.8% at Yale vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Yale vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Yale and Holy Cross? 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).

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $38,000 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $14,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($139 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Yale students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.