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Babson College vs College of the Holy Cross

Babson College is a private college in Wellesley, MA, and College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA. Babson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 17% of applicants against 18% at College of the Holy Cross. College of the Holy Cross is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $38,782 a year against $40,514 at Babson College. About 93% of students graduate at Babson College, compared with 88% at College of the Holy Cross. Ten years after enrolling, Babson College alumni earn a median of about $123,938, against $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross.

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Babson College

Wellesley, MA · Private

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Wellesley, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,728
3,106
Acceptance rate
17%
18%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.44–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1530
1240–1410
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
27–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,514
$38,782
Full cost / yr
$80,192
$80,334
In-state tuition
$57,152
$64,500
Out-of-state tuition
$57,152
$64,500
Application fee
$75
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,641
$14,343
$30k - $48k
$17,077
$16,179
$48k - $75k
$16,861
$12,682
$75k - $110k
$55,470
$27,711
Over $110k
$80,192
$56,284
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
88%
Freshman retention
95%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,354
$69,984
Median earnings (10 yr)
$123,938
$90,543
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
15%
First-generation students
15%
17%
International students
28%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Babson College or College of the Holy Cross harder to get into?
Babson College is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 18% at College of the Holy Cross. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Babson College or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,782 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,514 at Babson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Babson College and College of the Holy Cross?
Before aid, Babson College costs about $80,192 a year and College of the Holy Cross about $80,334. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Babson College or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,343 there, against about $23,641 at Babson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Babson College or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross is the larger of the two, with about 3,106 undergraduates against 2,728 at Babson College.
Does Babson College or College of the Holy Cross have a better graduation rate?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
Do graduates of Babson College or College of the Holy Cross earn more?
Babson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $123,938 ten years after enrolling, against about $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Babson College and College of the Holy Cross require SAT or ACT scores?
Babson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of the Holy Cross is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Babson College and College of the Holy Cross look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1530 at Babson College and 1240–1410 at College of the Holy Cross. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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