Holy Cross vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

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

Tufts University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (13,599 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); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Tufts University 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Tufts? 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 Tufts University than Holy Cross ($32,367 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 1.2% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,588 vs. $18,820).
• Tufts University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $6,204 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Tufts than at College of the Holy Cross (about $6,204 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Tufts University (57% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 26.2% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($55,933 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 190 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Tufts 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; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tufts - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

Holy Cross vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Tufts? 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 Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Holy Cross graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $80,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($186 vs. $284).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 87%)

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.