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College of the Holy Cross vs Smith College

College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA. Smith College is a private college in Northampton, MA. College of the Holy Cross admits about 18% of applicants and Smith College about 21%, making College of the Holy Cross the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $27,579 a year at Smith College after aid, and about $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross. About 89% of students graduate at Smith College, compared with 88% at College of the Holy Cross. Ten years after enrolling, College of the Holy Cross alumni earn a median of about $90,543, against $64,027 for Smith College.

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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Northampton, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,106
2,544
Acceptance rate
18%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1420–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,782
$27,579
Full cost / yr
$80,334
$86,030
In-state tuition
$64,500
$65,178
Out-of-state tuition
$64,500
$65,178
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,343
$1,363
$30k - $48k
$16,179
$3,737
$48k - $75k
$12,682
$6,559
$75k - $110k
$27,711
$11,750
Over $110k
$56,284
$40,477
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
89%
Freshman retention
95%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,984
$45,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,543
$64,027
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,550
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
18%
First-generation students
17%
19%
International students
3%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 College of the Holy Cross or Smith College harder to get into?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 21% at Smith College. 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 Smith College?
Smith College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,579 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 Smith College?
Before aid, College of the Holy Cross costs about $80,334 a year and Smith College about $86,030. 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 Smith College?
Smith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,363 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 Smith College?
College of the Holy Cross is the larger of the two, with about 3,106 undergraduates against 2,544 at Smith College.
Does College of the Holy Cross or Smith College have a better graduation rate?
Smith College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
Do graduates of College of the Holy Cross or Smith College earn more?
College of the Holy Cross alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,027 for Smith College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Holy Cross and Smith College require SAT or ACT scores?
College of the Holy Cross is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Smith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of the Holy Cross and Smith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at College of the Holy Cross and 1420–1540 at Smith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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