Holy Cross vs. Bucknell

Comparable Facts

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

Bucknell University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,969 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); Bucknell University is in Lewisburg, PA (Distant Town setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bucknell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Bucknell University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Bucknell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Bucknell? 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 Bucknell ($36,014 vs. $39,003).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bucknell University are 10.1% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($16,924 vs. $18,820).
• Bucknell University is 5.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $3,312 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at Bucknell than at College of the Holy Cross (about $3,312 more per year; $67,812.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bucknell University than at College of the Holy Cross (59% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bucknell University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($44,734 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Bucknell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bucknell University (1390) is 60 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Bucknell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Bucknell University 1310/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Bucknell University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Bucknell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Bucknell Jan 15, 2027.
• Bucknell has a higher acceptance rate (28.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 30.1% at Bucknell.

Holy Cross vs. Bucknell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Holy Cross is the same as at Bucknell University (91% vs. 91%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Bucknell graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $76,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bucknell University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Bucknell graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Bucknell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.