When choosing the right college or university for your education, it’s important to consider various factors such as costs, admissions, academics, rankings, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare two well-known institutions: Harvard University and Holy Cross. Each section will provide an overview of the respective schools, with a focus on the aspects mentioned above.
Harvard University Overview
Harvard University, established in 1636, is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, world-renowned faculty, and extensive research opportunities. With an undergraduate enrollment of around 6,700 students, the university offers a personalized and enriching academic experience in a diverse environment.
Harvard University Costs & Tuition
Harvard’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,002. However, the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other fees, amounts to approximately $78,200 per year. It’s important to note that Harvard offers generous financial aid packages, with 55% of students receiving need-based scholarships. The average grant for the 2021-2022 academic year is $56,000.
Harvard University Admissions
Admission to Harvard University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 4.6%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1460-1580, while the ACT range is 33-35. Harvard considers various factors during the admissions process, including academic achievements, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.
Harvard University Degrees Offered
Harvard offers undergraduate degrees across various fields of study, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The most popular majors at the university include economics, government, computer science, and biology. Students can also pursue a wide range of graduate and professional degrees through the university’s various schools, such as law, medicine, business, and education.
Harvard University Academics
Harvard is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and world-class faculty. The university boasts a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, ensuring personalized and engaging learning experiences for students. Moreover, Harvard offers numerous research opportunities and internships, allowing students to develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen fields.
Harvard University Diversity
The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, with students from 50 states and over 80 countries. About 47% of Harvard’s undergraduate students identify as non-white, and 53% identify as female. In addition, 20% of students are international, and 16.5% are first-generation college students.
Harvard University Students
With a vibrant student body, Harvard offers various extracurricular activities, including over 450 student-run organizations. There are numerous opportunities for students to engage in community service, cultural events, and sports. Harvard’s athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Ivy League.
Harvard University Campus
Harvard’s campus spans 209 acres in Cambridge, featuring historic buildings, modern facilities, and green spaces. The university provides housing for 97% of undergraduates, with first-year students living in Harvard Yard and upperclassmen residing in one of 12 residential houses.
Harvard University Alumni
Harvard boasts a distinguished roster of alumni, including notable figures such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates. The university’s alumni network offers various resources and events to help graduates connect and advance in their careers.
Harvard University Rankings
Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 edition, Harvard is ranked 2nd in National Universities.
Harvard University Outcomes
Graduates from Harvard enjoy successful careers across various industries. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for Harvard alumni is $70,300, while the average mid-career salary is $146,800.
Holy Cross Overview
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. With a student enrollment of around 3,100, Holy Cross offers a small, close-knit learning environment that emphasizes personal growth and academic excellence. The college’s mission is to promote intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development through a rigorous education in the liberal arts tradition.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Holy Cross’s tuition is $54,740. The total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other fees, is approximately $73,740 per year. Holy Cross offers need-based financial aid, with 60% of students receiving aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award for the 2021-2022 academic year is $40,397.
Holy Cross Admissions
Admission to Holy Cross is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 38%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1300-1450, and the ACT range is 29-33. The college evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers undergraduate degrees in over 30 majors and minors across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Popular majors at the college include economics, biology, psychology, and political science. Holy Cross does not offer graduate programs.
Holy Cross Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, Holy Cross provides an engaging and personalized learning environment. The college’s liberal arts curriculum encourages students to explore various subjects and develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Holy Cross also offers study abroad opportunities, internships, and research programs for students to gain practical experience.
Holy Cross Diversity
Holy Cross values diversity and inclusion, with students hailing from 40 states and 15 countries. Approximately 34% of the college’s undergraduate students identify as non-white, and 53% are female. About 15% of students are first-generation college students.
Holy Cross Students
Students at Holy Cross can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations, including academic and professional societies, cultural clubs, and service organizations. The College’s athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League.
Holy Cross Campus
The Holy Cross campus spans 174 acres in Worcester, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as recreational facilities and green spaces. The college offers housing for 90% of its students, with options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartments and townhouses.
Holy Cross Alumni
Holy Cross has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Chris Matthews, Bob Cousy, and Edward P. Jones. The college offers various resources and events for alumni to connect and support one another in their personal and professional lives.
Holy Cross Rankings
In the U.S. News & World Report 2022 edition, Holy Cross is ranked 40th in National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Holy Cross Outcomes
Graduates from Holy Cross go on to pursue successful careers in various fields. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for Holy Cross alumni is $62,000, and the average mid-career salary is $121,100.
Harvard University vs Holy Cross Cost Comparison
Both Harvard University and Holy Cross have similar tuition costs, with Harvard’s tuition at $54,002 and Holy Cross’s tuition at $54,740 for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, the total cost of attendance at Harvard is higher at approximately $78,200 per year, compared to Holy Cross’s $73,740 per year. It’s essential to consider each institution’s financial aid packages, with Harvard offering an average grant of $56,000 and Holy Cross an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $40,397.
Harvard University vs Holy Cross Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Harvard University and Holy Cross is competitive, with Harvard’s acceptance rate at 4.6% and Holy Cross’s acceptance rate at 38%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at Harvard is 1460-1580, while the range at Holy Cross is 1300-1450. Similarly, the middle 50% range of ACT scores for admitted students at Harvard is 33-35, compared to 29-33 at Holy Cross. Therefore, Harvard University has a more challenging admissions process than Holy Cross.
Harvard University vs Holy Cross Academic Difficulty
Both Harvard University and Holy Cross are known for their rigorous academic programs. However, as an Ivy League institution, Harvard is renowned for its world-class faculty and extensive research opportunities. With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 at Harvard and 10:1 at Holy Cross, both institutions provide personalized learning experiences. However, the overall academic rigor and resources at Harvard may be more challenging than those at Holy Cross.
Harvard University vs Holy Cross Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Harvard University and Holy Cross enjoy successful careers, with Harvard alumni earning an average starting salary of $70,300 and Holy Cross alumni earning $62,000. The average mid-career salary for Harvard graduates is $146,800, while Holy Cross graduates earn $121,100. Additionally, Harvard consistently ranks higher in national and global ranking lists than Holy Cross. Therefore, in terms of outcomes and prestige, Harvard University has an edge over Holy Cross.
