Holy Cross vs. Wake Forest

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wake Forest University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (9,322 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); Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Wake Forest University 10:1.

Holy Cross vs. Wake Forest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest University than Holy Cross ($24,401 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wake Forest University are 1.7% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($18,494 vs. $18,820).
• Wake Forest University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $3,142 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Wake Forest than at College of the Holy Cross (about $3,142 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Wake Forest University (57% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 42.4% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($63,117 vs. $44,334).

Holy Cross vs. Wake Forest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 140 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Wake Forest University 1410/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Wake Forest University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Wake Forest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027; Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027.
• Wake Forest has a higher acceptance rate (21.7%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 36.1% at Wake Forest.

Holy Cross vs. Wake Forest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest University's (88%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Wake Forest graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $77,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wake Forest University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Wake Forest graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($237 vs. $284).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.