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Franklin W Olin College of Engineering and College of the Holy Cross are both private nonprofit institutions — Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA and College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, 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.
Needham, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 25.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 377
Tuition: $66,398/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.4%
Top programs: Engineering
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Needham, MA with published program strength in Engineering.
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.
| Factor | Franklin W Olin College of Engineering | College of the Holy Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 25.2% | 17.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1493–1558 |
| 1240–1410 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 35 average | 27–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 377 | 3,106 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,398/year | $64,500/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,171 | $38,782 |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 87.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $129,455 | $90,543 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Needham, MA | Worcester, MA |
| Largest program areas | Engineering | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology |
College of the Holy Cross is more selective (17.6% vs 25.2% acceptance rate). Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has a lower average net price after grant aid ($25,171 vs $38,782). Franklin W Olin College of Engineering reports the higher graduation rate (96.4% vs 87.3%). College of the Holy Cross is the larger undergraduate campus (3,106 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.
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Common questions when choosing between Franklin W Olin College of Engineering and College of the Holy Cross
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has an acceptance rate of 25.2%; College of the Holy Cross is around 17.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering tuition is $66,398/year. College of the Holy Cross is $64,500/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.
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