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College of the Holy Cross and Boston College are both private nonprofit institutions — College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Worcester, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 17.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,106
Tuition: $64,500/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 87.3%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Worcester, MA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 16.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,085
Tuition: $70,702/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 90.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Chestnut Hill, MA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | College of the Holy Cross | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 17.6% | 16.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1410 |
| 1440–1540 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 27–32 | 33–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,106 | 10,085 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $64,500/year | $70,702/year |
| Average net price after aid | $38,782 | $41,704 |
| Graduation rate | 87.3% | 90.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $90,543 | $103,937 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Worcester, MA | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (17.6% vs 16.4%). College of the Holy Cross has a lower average net price after grant aid ($38,782 vs $41,704). Boston College reports the higher graduation rate (90.8% vs 87.3%). Boston College is the larger undergraduate campus (10,085 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between College of the Holy Cross and Boston College
College of the Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of 17.6%; Boston College is around 16.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
College of the Holy Cross tuition is $64,500/year. Boston College is $70,702/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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