Holy Cross vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Lowell is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (16,598 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); University of Massachusetts Lowell is in Lowell, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; University of Massachusetts Lowell 17:1.

Holy Cross vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or University of Massachusetts-Lowell? 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 University of Massachusetts Lowell than Holy Cross ($16,530 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Lowell are 14.2% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($16,148 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 280.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Lowell (about $47,534 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $16,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.9% higher at Holy Cross than at University of Massachusetts Lowell (about $28,236 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $36,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Lowell than at College of the Holy Cross (82% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 193.6% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Lowell students ($44,334 vs. $15,098).

Holy Cross vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross or University of Massachusetts-Lowell? 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 University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Holy Cross.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 50 points higher than at University of Massachusetts-Lowell (1280).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at University of Massachusetts-Lowell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; University of Massachusetts Lowell 1180/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; University of Massachusetts Lowell 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; University of Massachusetts-Lowell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; University of Massachusetts-Lowell Feb 15, 2027.
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 18.1% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Holy Cross vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and University of Massachusetts-Lowell? 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 University of Massachusetts Lowell's (50%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Lowell graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Lowell graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($258 vs. $284).
• More Holy Cross graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Lowell students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 63%)

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.