In this article, we will compare and contrast two highly regarded institutions of higher learning in the United States: Holy Cross and Brandeis University. By examining the schools from various angles, such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, and more, we hope to provide prospective students with valuable information to aid in their university selection process.
Holy Cross Overview
Holy Cross, officially known as the College of the Holy Cross, is a private liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Established in 1843, it is the oldest Catholic college in New England and one of the oldest in the United States. Holy Cross is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts, with the goal of providing students with a well-rounded education engaging both intellect and spirit.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year was approximately $72,642, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The college offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to eligible students. In the 2020-2021 academic year, approximately 70% of Holy Cross students received some form of financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $41,456.
Holy Cross Admissions
Admission to Holy Cross is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 34.5% for the Class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students had an SAT score between 1310 and 1450 and an ACT score between 30 and 33. The college has a test-optional policy for students applying for the fall of 2022 and beyond.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers 29 majors and numerous minors across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Popular majors include Economics, Biology, and Psychology. The college also provides study abroad opportunities, with around 40% of students participating during their junior year.
Holy Cross Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 19, Holy Cross is committed to providing a personalized learning experience for its students. The college’s Montserrat Program is a unique first-year experience that encourages students to explore different fields of study while participating in an engaging living and learning community.
Holy Cross Diversity
As of fall 2021, Holy Cross had a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,936 students, with 39% identifying as students of color. The college is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, offering numerous resources and support services to ensure success for all students.
Holy Cross Students
Holy Cross has a strong sense of community and prides itself on the active involvement of its students in various clubs, organizations, and athletics. With over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, there are ample opportunities for students to engage with their peers and pursue their interests.
Holy Cross Campus
The Holy Cross campus spans 174 acres and features a mix of Gothic and modern architecture. The college offers a variety of housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and living-learning communities.
Holy Cross Alumni
Notable Holy Cross alumni include journalist Bob Cousy, author Edward P. Jones, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The college’s alumni network is known for its strong connections and support to current students.
Holy Cross Rankings
Holy Cross is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the college was ranked 34th among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Holy Cross Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at Holy Cross is 92%, with 82% of the Class of 2020 securing full-time employment or attending graduate school within 10 months of graduation.
Brandeis University Overview
Brandeis University is a private research university located in Waltham, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. Established in 1948, the university was named in honor of the first Jewish Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Louis Brandeis. The school is known for its commitment to social justice, research, and academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.
Brandeis University Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Brandeis University for the 2021-2022 academic year was approximately $76,848, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Brandeis offers need-based financial aid, as well as merit scholarships. In the 2020-2021 academic year, approximately 63% of Brandeis students received some form of financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $41,330.
Brandeis University Admissions
Admission to Brandeis University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 31% for the Class of 2025. The middle 50% of accepted students had an SAT score between 1370 and 1510, and an ACT score between 31 and 34. Brandeis has a test-optional policy for students applying for the fall of 2022 and beyond.
Brandeis University Degrees Offered
Brandeis offers 43 majors and 51 minors across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Popular majors include Economics, Biology, and Psychology. The university also boasts a strong study abroad program, with over 250 programs in more than 65 countries.
Brandeis University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 20, Brandeis is committed to providing students with an engaging and personalized learning experience. The university’s undergraduate curriculum emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, preparing students for success in their careers and beyond.
Brandeis University Diversity
As of fall 2021, Brandeis had a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,688 students, with 39% identifying as students of color. The university is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community, offering various resources and support services to ensure success for all students.
Brandeis University Students
Brandeis has a vibrant student life, with over 270 clubs and organizations, including cultural groups, performing arts ensembles, and volunteer opportunities. The university also offers a competitive athletics program, with 19 varsity teams competing in the NCAA Division III.
Brandeis University Campus
The Brandeis University campus spans 235 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. Students have various housing options, from traditional residence halls to suite-style living and special-interest community housing.
Brandeis University Alumni
Notable Brandeis alumni include actress Debra Messing, journalist Thomas Friedman, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The university’s alumni network is known for its strong connections and support for current students.
Brandeis University Rankings
Brandeis University consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Brandeis was ranked 42nd among National Universities.
Brandeis University Outcome
The six-year graduation rate at Brandeis University is 89%, with 92% of the Class of 2020 securing full-time employment or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.
Holy Cross vs Brandeis University Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance at Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year was approximately $72,642, while the cost of attendance at Brandeis University was about $76,848. Although both schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, Holy Cross has a slightly lower average cost of attendance than Brandeis.
Holy Cross vs Brandeis University Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Holy Cross and Brandeis University is highly competitive. The acceptance rate for Holy Cross was 34.5% for the Class of 2025, while the acceptance rate for Brandeis was 31% for the same class. Both schools have similar SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students and have adopted test-optional policies for applicants in the fall of 2022 and beyond.
Holy Cross vs Brandeis University Academic Difficulty
Both Holy Cross and Brandeis University are known for their rigorous academic programs and commitment to providing a high-quality education for their students. With similar student-faculty ratios and average class sizes, both schools offer personalized learning experiences that challenge students intellectually. The academic difficulty is comparable at both schools, with both emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in their undergraduate curriculums.
Holy Cross vs Brandeis University Outcome Comparison
The six-year graduation rates at Holy Cross and Brandeis University are close, with Holy Cross at 92% and Brandeis at 89%. Employment and graduate school enrollment rates for recent graduates are also similar, with 82% of Holy Cross Class of 2020 securing full-time employment or attending graduate school within 10 months of graduation and 92% of Brandeis Class of 2020 doing so within six months of graduation. Both schools have strong alumni networks that support current students and contribute to favorable outcomes for graduates.
