Holy Cross vs. Fordham

Comparable Facts

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

Fordham University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (16,150 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); Fordham University is in Bronx, NY (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fordham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Fordham University 14:1.

Holy Cross vs. Fordham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Fordham? 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 Fordham ($36,014 vs. $48,190).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 21.9% lower than at Fordham University ($18,820 vs. $24,090).
• Fordham University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $415 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at Fordham than at College of the Holy Cross (about $415 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fordham University than at College of the Holy Cross (95% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 23.2% larger than aid received by Fordham University students ($44,334 vs. $35,988).

Holy Cross vs. Fordham Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fordham University (1400) is 70 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Fordham 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; Fordham University 1320/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Fordham University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Fordham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Fordham Jan 1, 2027.
• Fordham has a higher acceptance rate (59.3%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 9.7% at Fordham.

Holy Cross vs. Fordham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Fordham? 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 Fordham University's (78%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than Fordham graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $64,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fordham University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Fordham graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($268 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fordham students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 77%)

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.