Holy Cross vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (26,793 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); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Cornell? 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 Cornell University than Holy Cross ($26,361 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 3.1% lower than at Cornell University ($18,820 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $4,814 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Cornell than at College of the Holy Cross (about $4,814 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Cornell University (57% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 39.3% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($61,779 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Cornell 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: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Holy Cross vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $160 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($124 vs. $284).
• More Cornell 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.