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College of the Holy Cross vs Tufts University

College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA, and Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Tufts University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% 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 $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, 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 $83,214 for Tufts University.

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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,106
7,061
Acceptance rate
18%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,782
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$80,334
$88,300
In-state tuition
$64,500
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$64,500
$70,704
Application fee
$60
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,343
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$16,179
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$12,682
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$27,711
$23,311
Over $110k
$56,284
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
93%
Freshman retention
95%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,984
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,543
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
12%
First-generation students
17%
15%
International students
3%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 4

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 Tufts University harder to get into?
Tufts University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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 Tufts University?
College of the Holy Cross is cheaper on average. Students pay about $38,782 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,998 at Tufts University. 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 Tufts University?
Before aid, College of the Holy Cross costs about $80,334 a year and Tufts University about $88,300. 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 Tufts University?
Tufts University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,284 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, College of the Holy Cross or Tufts University?
Tufts University is the larger of the two, with about 7,061 undergraduates against 3,106 at College of the Holy Cross.
Does College of the Holy Cross or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
Do graduates of College of the Holy Cross or Tufts University earn more?
College of the Holy Cross alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,214 for Tufts University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Holy Cross and Tufts 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. Tufts 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 Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at College of the Holy Cross and 1470–1560 at Tufts 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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