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College of the Holy Cross vs Northeastern University

College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA, and Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA. Northeastern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 18% at College of the Holy Cross. Northeastern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,915 a year against $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross. About 90% of students graduate at Northeastern University, compared with 88% at College of the Holy Cross. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross.

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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,106
17,326
Acceptance rate
18%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,782
$30,915
Full cost / yr
$80,334
$84,641
In-state tuition
$64,500
$66,162
Out-of-state tuition
$64,500
$66,162
Application fee
$60
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,343
$2,264
$30k - $48k
$16,179
$2,436
$48k - $75k
$12,682
$5,301
$75k - $110k
$27,711
$16,241
Over $110k
$56,284
$47,696
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
90%
Freshman retention
95%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,984
$78,413
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,543
$92,538
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
12%
First-generation students
17%
19%
International students
3%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

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 College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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, College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,782 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at College of the Holy Cross and Northeastern University?
Before aid, College of the Holy Cross costs about $80,334 a year and Northeastern University about $84,641. 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, College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 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, College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 3,106 at College of the Holy Cross.
Does College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University have a better graduation rate?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
Do graduates of College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Holy Cross and Northeastern University require SAT or ACT scores?
College of the Holy Cross is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of the Holy Cross and Northeastern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at College of the Holy Cross and 1440–1540 at Northeastern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school