Boston College vs College of the Holy Cross
Boston College is a private college in Chestnut Hill, MA, and College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA. Boston College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 16% 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 $41,704 at Boston College. About 91% of students graduate at Boston College, compared with 88% at College of the Holy Cross. Ten years after enrolling, Boston College alumni earn a median of about $103,937, against $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Boston College or College of the Holy Cross harder to get into?
- Boston College is harder to get into. It admits about 16% 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, Boston 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 $41,704 at Boston 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 Boston College and College of the Holy Cross?
- Before aid, College of the Holy Cross costs about $80,334 a year and Boston College about $89,493. 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, Boston College or College of the Holy Cross?
- Boston College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,284 there, against about $14,343 at College of the Holy Cross. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Boston College or College of the Holy Cross?
- Boston College is the larger of the two, with about 10,085 undergraduates against 3,106 at College of the Holy Cross.
- Does Boston College or College of the Holy Cross have a better graduation rate?
- Boston College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
- Do graduates of Boston College or College of the Holy Cross earn more?
- Boston College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Boston College and College of the Holy Cross require SAT or ACT scores?
- Boston 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 Boston College and College of the Holy Cross look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Boston 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?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.