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College Comparison

Amherst College vs College of the Holy Cross

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
College of the Holy Cross
#111
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Worcester, MA

Total Enrollment

1,914

3,126

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

3,126

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

17.6%

Average GPA

3.90

3.82

SAT Range

1490–1580

1240–1410

ACT Range

33–35

27–32

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$60

Total Applicants

13,743

9,568


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$57,600

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$36,868

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$57,600

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$57,600

Room & Board

$18,390

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

57.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$44,334


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

92.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

95.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$90,543

Explore by Location

Amherst is in Amherst, MA

College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while College of the Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of 18%. This means Amherst College is more selective than College of the Holy Cross.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $36,868 at College of the Holy Cross. Amherst College is $18,622 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At College of the Holy Cross, the typical SAT range is 1240-1410. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while College of the Holy Cross has a graduation rate of 93%. Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while College of the Holy Cross has a ratio of 9:1. Amherst College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Amherst College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,591. At College of the Holy Cross, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $44,334.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $90,543 for College of the Holy Cross graduates. Graduates from College of the Holy Cross tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA in a city: small setting. College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA in a city: midsize setting.