Holy Cross vs. Western New England University

Comparable Facts

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

Western New England University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (3,674 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); Western New England University is in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting).
• College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New England University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Holy Cross 9:1; Western New England University 12:1.

Holy Cross vs. Western New England University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross or Western New England 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 Western New England University than Holy Cross ($27,056 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New England University are 17.3% lower than at College of the Holy Cross ($15,570 vs. $18,820).
• College of the Holy Cross is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western New England University (about $16,680 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,820.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at Holy Cross than at Western New England University (about $16,680 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $47,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western New England University than at College of the Holy Cross (97% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 34.1% larger than aid received by Western New England University students ($44,334 vs. $33,067).

Holy Cross vs. Western New England University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Holy Cross or Western New England 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 Western New England University and Holy Cross.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 130 points higher than at Western New England University (1200).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Western New England University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410; Western New England University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Holy Cross 27/32; Western New England University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross - Test optional; Western New England University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Western New England University has a higher acceptance rate (83.5%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 49.6% at Holy Cross vs. 12.5% at Western New England University.

Holy Cross vs. Western New England University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross and Western New England 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 Western New England University's (61%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $20,600 more per year than Western New England University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western New England University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Western New England 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 Western New England University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 76%)

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.