Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross

Comparable Facts

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

Wesleyan University is larger than Holy Cross based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 3,126 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Wesleyan University 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: Wesleyan University 8:1; College of the Holy Cross 9:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan University 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 Wesleyan University than Holy Cross ($23,025 vs. $36,014).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Holy Cross are 5.3% lower than at Wesleyan University ($18,820 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Holy Cross (about $5,842 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at Wesleyan University than at College of the Holy Cross (about $5,842 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $64,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Holy Cross than at Wesleyan University (57% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 48.9% larger than aid received by College of the Holy Cross students ($65,995 vs. $44,334).

Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wesleyan University 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 Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 150 points higher than at Holy Cross (1330).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Holy Cross).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; College of the Holy Cross 1240/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; College of the Holy Cross 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Holy Cross - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Holy Cross Jan 15, 2027.
• Holy Cross has a higher acceptance rate (17.6%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 49.6% at Holy Cross.

Wesleyan University vs. Holy Cross Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan University 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).

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than College of the Holy Cross's (91%).
• Graduates from College of the Holy Cross earn a median of about $22,400 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,400 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Holy Cross graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Holy Cross graduates ($180 vs. $284).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Holy Cross students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.