Holy Cross vs. Bryant University

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with Bryant University in Smithfield, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bryant University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,636 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Bryant University is in Smithfield, RI (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bryant University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Bryant University 13:1.

Holy Cross vs. Bryant University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Bryant University? 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 College of the Holy Cross than Bryant University ($36,014 vs. $42,139).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bryant University are 6.9% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($17,528 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bryant University (about $11,823 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $52,677.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.4% higher at Holy Cross than at Bryant University (about $11,823 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $52,677.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bryant University than at College of the Holy Cross (99% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 58.1% larger than aid received by Bryant University students ($44,334 vs. $28,035).

Holy Cross vs. Bryant University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 70 points higher than at Bryant University (1260).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Bryant University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Bryant University 1190/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Bryant University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Bryant University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Bryant University Feb 1, 2027.
• Bryant University has a higher acceptance rate (65.5%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.7% at Bryant University.

Holy Cross vs. Bryant University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Bryant University? 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).

• College of the Holy Cross's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Bryant University's (77%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Bryant University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $73,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bryant University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Bryant University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Bryant University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 87%)

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.