Choosing the right college is an important decision that can shape your future. With so many factors to consider, such as cost, academics, and student life, it can be tough to compare two schools. In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between Holy Cross and Fordham University to help you make an informed decision.
Holy Cross Overview
College of the Holy Cross, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a private, Jesuit liberal arts college. Established in 1843, it offers a rigorous curriculum, a tight-knit community, and a dedication to service and social justice. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 3,100 students, it fosters a supportive and collaborative environment.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
Holy Cross has a comprehensive cost, including tuition, room, and board, of approximately $74,000 per year. However, the college is dedicated to providing need-based financial aid, with more than 60% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. The average financial aid package is around $41,000.
Holy Cross Admissions
Admission to Holy Cross is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 37%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1280 to 1450 and ACT scores between 30 and 33. The college also values personal qualities, leadership, and extracurricular activities in its admission process.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers over 30 majors and minors, with popular programs in economics, psychology, and political science. The college also provides numerous interdisciplinary programs, study abroad opportunities, and research experiences.
Holy Cross Academics
The rigorous academics at Holy Cross are grounded in the liberal arts and Jesuit tradition, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and ethical reflection. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students benefit from small classes and personalized attention from professors.
Holy Cross Diversity
Holy Cross is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Around 25% of students identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), and the college has numerous programs and resources to support the success of all students.
Holy Cross Students
Students at Holy Cross are engaged, active, and service-oriented. There are over 100 clubs and organizations, numerous volunteering opportunities, and a strong athletic program with 27 Division I varsity sports.
Holy Cross Campus
The 174-acre Holy Cross campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with stunning views of Worcester and the surrounding hills. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, science center, and recreational facilities.
Holy Cross Alumni
Holy Cross boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to successful careers in various fields. Notable alumni include journalist Bob Woodruff, author Mary Higgins Clark, and Nobel Prize-winning economist James Tobin.
Holy Cross Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Holy Cross #40 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #27 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Holy Cross Outcomes
Graduates of Holy Cross have a strong track record for success. About 96% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, and the college has a 91% four-year graduation rate.
Fordham University Overview
Fordham University, located in New York City, is a private, Jesuit research university. Established in 1841, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, a commitment to social justice, and a diverse and vibrant student body. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 9,200 students, Fordham provides a dynamic educational experience in the heart of the city.
Fordham Costs & Tuition
Fordham’s comprehensive cost, including tuition, room, and board, is approximately $76,000 per year. However, the university is committed to providing financial aid, with more than 90% of students receiving some form of assistance. The average financial aid package is around $28,000.
Fordham Admissions
Admission to Fordham is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 46%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1240 to 1420 and ACT scores between 28 and 32. Fordham considers various factors in its admission process, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Fordham Degrees Offered
Fordham offers over 70 majors and minors, with popular programs in business, social sciences, and visual and performing arts. The university also provides numerous interdisciplinary programs, study abroad opportunities, and research experiences.
Fordham Academics
Fordham’s academics are rooted in the Jesuit tradition, emphasizing intellectual rigor, critical thinking, and ethical development. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students benefit from personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Fordham Diversity
Fordham is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Approximately 37% of students identify as BIPOC, and the university offers numerous programs and resources to support the success of students from diverse backgrounds.
Fordham Students
Students at Fordham are engaged, ambitious, and service-oriented. There are over 200 clubs and organizations, numerous volunteering opportunities, and a strong athletic program with 23 Division I varsity sports.
Fordham Campus
Fordham has two campuses in New York City: the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, with Gothic architecture and green spaces, and the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan, featuring modern facilities in the heart of the city. Students have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities in the city.
Fordham Alumni
Fordham’s alumni network is extensive and successful, with graduates pursuing careers in various fields. Notable alumni include actor Denzel Washington, journalist Chris Cuomo, and author Don DeLillo.
Fordham Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Fordham #66 among National Universities and #58 for Best Value Schools.
Fordham Outcomes
Fordham graduates have a solid record of success, with 94% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, and the university has an 81% four-year graduation rate.
Holy Cross vs Fordham Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of Holy Cross and Fordham, both schools have similar comprehensive costs, with Holy Cross at $74,000 per year and Fordham at $76,000 per year. However, there are differences in financial aid offerings. Holy Cross offers larger average financial aid packages ($41,000) compared to Fordham ($28,000). Additionally, a higher percentage of students receive financial aid at Fordham (90%) compared to Holy Cross (60%).
Holy Cross vs Fordham Admissions Difficulty
Both Holy Cross and Fordham have competitive admissions processes. Holy Cross has a lower acceptance rate (37%) compared to Fordham (46%). The middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are similar, with Holy Cross having slightly higher average scores.
Holy Cross vs Fordham Academic Difficulty
Both Holy Cross and Fordham offer rigorous academic programs grounded in the Jesuit tradition. Holy Cross focuses on liberal arts, while Fordham offers a broader range of programs. Both schools have low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support for students.
Holy Cross vs Fordham Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Holy Cross and Fordham have strong outcomes, with high percentages of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months. Holy Cross has a higher four-year graduation rate (91%) compared to Fordham (81%). In terms of rankings, Holy Cross ranks higher among liberal arts colleges, while Fordham ranks among national universities.
