Holy Cross vs. Hofstra

Comparable Facts

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

Hofstra University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (10,685 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); Hofstra University is in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Hofstra University 13:1.

Holy Cross vs. Hofstra Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Hofstra? 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 Hofstra University than Holy Cross ($35,792 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hofstra University are 3.9% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,082 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $6,840 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Holy Cross than at Hofstra University (about $6,840 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra 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 26.4% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($44,334 vs. $35,061).

Holy Cross vs. Hofstra Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 10 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Hofstra students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Hofstra University 1230/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Hofstra University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Hofstra - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 10.3% at Hofstra.

Holy Cross vs. Hofstra Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Hofstra? 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 Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hofstra University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Hofstra graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($242 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 72%)

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.