Academic Comparison between Holy Cross and American University

College of the Holy Cross and American University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA and American University is located in Washington, DC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • Holy Cross has more expensive tuition & fees ($60,850) than American University ($56,543).
  • It is harder to admit to Holy Cross than American University.
  • American University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,340) than Holy Cross (1,340).
  • American University has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Holy Cross (30).
  • American University has more students with 13,885 students while Holy Cross has 3,083 students.
  • Holy Cross has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while American University's ratio is 11 to 1.
  • American University has more full-time faculties with 827 faculties while Holy Cross has 294 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

College of the Holy Crossvs.American University
Worcester, MassachusettsLocationWashington, District of Columbia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$60,8502024 Tuition & Fees$56,543
63%% Receiving Financial Aid47%
$39,014Average Amount of Financial Aid$30,338
21.10 %Acceptance Rates47.38 %
45.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.02 %
1,340SAT Score1,380
30ACT Score31
91 %Graduation Rate79 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
95 %Retention Rate86 %
3,083Student Population13,885
294Number of Faculties827
10 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare
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