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Holy Cross College vs Saint Mary's College

Holy Cross College is a private college in Notre Dame, IN, and Saint Mary's College is a private college in Notre Dame, IN. Holy Cross College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 76% at Saint Mary's College. Saint Mary's College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,292 a year against $26,728 at Holy Cross College. About 73% of students graduate at Saint Mary's College, compared with 50% at Holy Cross College. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Mary's College alumni earn a median of about $59,354, against $50,416 for Holy Cross College.

Holy Cross College

Notre Dame, IN · Private

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Notre Dame, IN
Notre Dame, IN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
639
1,458
Acceptance rate
75%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1300
1130–1325
ACT (middle 50%)
23–31
26–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,728
$25,292
Full cost / yr
$50,881
$66,478
In-state tuition
$36,600
$53,230
Out-of-state tuition
$36,600
$53,230
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,377
$16,760
$30k - $48k
$13,673
$18,152
$48k - $75k
$17,036
$21,014
$75k - $110k
$22,701
$23,680
Over $110k
$35,603
$30,443
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
73%
Freshman retention
70%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,335
$53,470
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,416
$59,354
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
24%
First-generation students
29%
20%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 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 Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College harder to get into?
Holy Cross College is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 76% at Saint Mary's 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, Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College?
Saint Mary's College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,292 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,728 at Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross College and Saint Mary's College?
Before aid, Holy Cross College costs about $50,881 a year and Saint Mary's College about $66,478. 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, Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College?
Holy Cross College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,377 there, against about $16,760 at Saint Mary's College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College?
Saint Mary's College is the larger of the two, with about 1,458 undergraduates against 639 at Holy Cross College.
Does Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College have a better graduation rate?
Saint Mary's College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 50% at Holy Cross College.
Do graduates of Holy Cross College or Saint Mary's College earn more?
Saint Mary's College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,354 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,416 for Holy Cross College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Holy Cross College and Saint Mary's College require SAT or ACT scores?
Holy Cross College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Mary's College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Holy Cross College and Saint Mary's College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1300 at Holy Cross College and 1130–1325 at Saint Mary's 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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