Holy Cross vs. Iona University

Comparable Facts

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

Iona University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,958 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); Iona University is in New Rochelle, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iona University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Iona University 16:1.

Holy Cross vs. Iona University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Iona 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 Iona University than Holy Cross ($29,978 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) are the same at College of the Holy Cross and Iona University ($18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 36.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iona University (about $17,240 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,260.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.5% higher at Holy Cross than at Iona University (about $17,240 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,260.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Iona University than at College of the Holy Cross (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 44% larger than aid received by Iona University students ($44,334 vs. $30,780).

Holy Cross vs. Iona University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 120 points higher than at Iona University (1210).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Iona University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Iona University 1110/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Iona University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Iona University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Iona University Feb 15, 2027.
• Iona University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 12.9% at Iona University.

Holy Cross vs. Iona University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Iona 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 Iona University's (57%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than Iona University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iona University graduates have a $1,453 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,047 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Iona University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($269 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iona University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

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.