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College of the Holy Cross vs Williams College

College of the Holy Cross is a private college in Worcester, MA, and Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Williams College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 18% at College of the Holy Cross. Williams College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,716 a year against $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross. About 95% of students graduate at Williams 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 $88,665 for Williams College.

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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,106
2,076
Acceptance rate
18%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1410
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,782
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$80,334
$84,860
In-state tuition
$64,500
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$64,500
$68,560
Application fee
$60
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,343
$0*
$30k - $48k
$16,179
$0*
$48k - $75k
$12,682
$0*
$75k - $110k
$27,711
$3,030
Over $110k
$56,284
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
95%
Freshman retention
95%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,984
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,543
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
18%
First-generation students
17%
22%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Williams College harder to get into?
Williams College is harder to get into. It admits about 8% 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 Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 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 Williams College?
Before aid, College of the Holy Cross costs about $80,334 a year and Williams College about $84,860. 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 Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 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 Williams College?
College of the Holy Cross is the larger of the two, with about 3,106 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does College of the Holy Cross or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 88% at College of the Holy Cross.
Do graduates of College of the Holy Cross or Williams 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 $88,665 for Williams College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of the Holy Cross and Williams 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. Williams 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 Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1410 at College of the Holy Cross and 1490–1570 at Williams 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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