College Comparison
Carleton College vs College of the Holy Cross
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Northfield, MN
Worcester, MA
Total Enrollment
2,128
3,126
Undergrad Enrollment
2,128
3,126
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
9:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
20.4%
17.6%
Average GPA
4.00
3.82
SAT Range
1450–1560
1240–1410
ACT Range
32–34
27–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$60
Total Applicants
7,133
9,568
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,830
$57,600
Avg Net Price
$27,320
$36,868
Tuition (In-State)
$62,244
$57,600
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,244
$57,600
Room & Board
$17,586
—
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,846
$44,334
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
92.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$75,525
$90,543
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Carleton is in Northfield, MN
College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $36,868 at College of the Holy Cross. Carleton College is $9,548 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 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.
Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while College of the Holy Cross has a graduation rate of 93%. College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while College of the Holy Cross has a ratio of 9:1. Carleton College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Carleton College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,846. At College of the Holy Cross, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $44,334.
The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, 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.
Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA in a city: midsize setting.

