Holy Cross vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (7,189 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); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Seattle U? 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 College of the Holy Cross than Seattle U ($36,014 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 16.6% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,702 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 13.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $7,779 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at Holy Cross than at Seattle University (about $7,779 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle 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 25.4% larger than aid received by Seattle University students ($44,334 vs. $35,351).

Holy Cross vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 10 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Holy Cross vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($253 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 75%)

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.