Holy Cross vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (6,356 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); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Holy Cross vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Suffolk 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 Suffolk University than Holy Cross ($33,832 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 11.8% lower than at Suffolk University ($18,820 vs. $21,326).
• College of the Holy Cross is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Suffolk University (about $16,950 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.6% higher at Holy Cross than at Suffolk University (about $16,950 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at College of the Holy Cross (98% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 40.5% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($44,334 vs. $31,558).

Holy Cross vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 130 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Holy Cross vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Suffolk 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 Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Suffolk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $59,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Suffolk University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Suffolk University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 70%)

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.