USF vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Francisco is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Holy Cross is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

USF vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or Holy Cross? 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 College of the Holy Cross than USF ($36,014 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 4.8% lower than at University of San Francisco ($18,820 vs. $19,764).
• College of the Holy Cross is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF (about $4,008 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.6% higher at Holy Cross than at University of San Francisco (about $4,008 more per year; $64,500.00 vs. $60,492.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at College of the Holy Cross (95% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Holy Cross students is 27.7% larger than aid received by University of San Francisco students ($44,334 vs. $34,723).

USF vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Holy Cross (1330) is 40 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Holy Cross students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• USF has a higher acceptance rate (61.7%) than Holy Cross (17.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

USF vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and Holy Cross? 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 San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than USF graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $70,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Francisco graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, USF 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 USF students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

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.