Holy Cross vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (32,553 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); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Holy Cross vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University than Holy Cross ($34,207 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 3.9% lower than at Northeastern University ($18,820 vs. $19,580).
• Northeastern University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $1,662 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at Northeastern than at College of the Holy Cross (about $1,662 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at College of the Holy Cross (66% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 13.7% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($50,421 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Northeastern students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Holy Cross vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Holy Cross graduates have a $375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($284 vs. $288).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 79%)

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.