College Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs Swarthmore College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Worcester, MA
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
3,126
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
3,126
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
17.6%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.82
3.93
SAT Range
1240–1410
1490–1560
ACT Range
27–32
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$60
Total Applicants
9,568
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$57,600
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$36,868
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$57,600
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$57,600
$58,928
Room & Board
—
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
57.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$44,334
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
93.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$90,543
$80,257
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, MA
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at College of the Holy Cross is $36,868 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $18,182 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at College of the Holy Cross typically score between 1240-1410 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Swarthmore College, the typical SAT range is 1490-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
College of the Holy Cross has a graduation rate of 93%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
College of the Holy Cross has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Swarthmore College has a ratio of 7:1. Swarthmore College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At College of the Holy Cross, 57% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $44,334. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for College of the Holy Cross graduates 10 years after enrollment is $90,543, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from College of the Holy Cross tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA in a city: midsize setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.

