Holy Cross College vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Holy Cross College based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Holy Cross College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Large Suburban setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Holy Cross College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Holy Cross College 13:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Holy Cross College vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Holy Cross College or Alvernia 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 Holy Cross College than Alvernia University ($22,421 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Holy Cross College are 17.9% lower than at Alvernia University ($12,700 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 23% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross College (about $8,400 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23% higher at Alvernia University than at Holy Cross College (about $8,400 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $36,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Holy Cross College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 2.2% larger than aid received by Holy Cross College students ($29,034 vs. $28,416).

Holy Cross College vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Holy Cross College (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 980/1300; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Holy Cross College 23/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Holy Cross College - Test-free; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Holy Cross College Jul 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Holy Cross College (3.2).
• Holy Cross College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at Holy Cross College vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Holy Cross College vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Holy Cross College and Alvernia 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).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Holy Cross College's (13%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Holy Cross College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have a $3,875 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($23,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Holy Cross College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($239 vs. $279).
• More Holy Cross College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 61%)

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.