Holy Cross vs. Lipscomb

Comparable Facts

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

Lipscomb University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (5,017 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); Lipscomb University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lipscomb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Lipscomb University 13:1.

Holy Cross vs. Lipscomb Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University than Holy Cross ($27,695 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lipscomb University are 18% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,424 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 59% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lipscomb (about $23,928 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59% higher at Holy Cross than at Lipscomb University (about $23,928 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $40,572.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lipscomb 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 54.8% larger than aid received by Lipscomb University students ($44,334 vs. $28,645).

Holy Cross vs. Lipscomb Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 60 points higher than at Lipscomb (1270).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Lipscomb).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Lipscomb University 1160/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Lipscomb University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Lipscomb - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Lipscomb has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 24.9% at Lipscomb.

Holy Cross vs. Lipscomb Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Lipscomb? 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 Lipscomb University's (63%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $33,500 more per year than Lipscomb graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lipscomb University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Lipscomb graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($211 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lipscomb students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 68%)

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.