Holy Cross vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

College of the Holy Cross is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (3,126 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Holy Cross vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College than Holy Cross ($34,739 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 22.7% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($14,548 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $1,695 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Holy Cross than at Muhlenberg College (about $1,695 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College 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 4.2% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($44,334 vs. $42,545).

Holy Cross vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is the same as at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College 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; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Holy Cross vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $1,010 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($273 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

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.