Holy Cross vs Smith College Introduction
This detailed comparison guide will help prospective students make an informed decision between Holy Cross and Smith College. Both are institutions of higher learning with strong reputations for excellent academics, student life, and outcomes. However, each school offers distinct advantages in certain areas. The following sections will provide an overview of each school, comparing their costs, admissions, degrees, academics, diversity, and more.
Holy Cross Overview
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private, liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts. This Jesuit-affiliated institution offers a strong emphasis on intellectual development and community engagement. The college enrolls around 2,900 undergraduate students and offers a wide range of academic programs.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,616. Room and board expenses average $15,984. Additional fees, including health insurance and other miscellaneous costs, can bring the total estimated cost of attendance to approximately $73,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with an average award of $42,500.
Holy Cross Admissions
Admission to Holy Cross is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 38%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores (if available). The average SAT score for incoming students is 1320, while the average ACT score is 30.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers more than 30 majors and minors across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors at the college include biology, economics, political science, psychology, and English.
Holy Cross Academics
Holy Cross boasts a rigorous academic environment, with a low 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This allows for personalized attention and an engaging learning experience. The college also offers numerous research opportunities and study abroad programs for students interested in expanding their academic horizons.
Holy Cross Diversity
Holy Cross is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college has a variety of programs and initiatives in place to support students from different backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Education and the Diversity Leadership Council.
Holy Cross Students
Students at Holy Cross are engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, from athletics to performing arts to community service. The college is home to over 100 student-led clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills.
Holy Cross Campus
The Holy Cross campus spans 174 acres and features traditional Gothic architecture. With state-of-the-art academic facilities, several residence halls, and numerous dining options, the campus provides a comfortable and stimulating environment for students to live, learn, and grow.
Holy Cross Alumni
Notable Holy Cross alumni include Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, author and screenwriter Jay McInerney, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Cousy. Many graduates go on to pursue successful careers in various fields, including business, education, and public service.
Holy Cross Rankings
Holy Cross consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Holy Cross No. 40 in National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2021.
Holy Cross Outcomes
According to College Factual, 97% of Holy Cross graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Holy Cross graduates is $57,000.
Smith College Overview
Smith College, founded in 1871, is a women’s liberal arts college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. This prestigious institution is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, which allows students to take courses at neighboring Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Smith College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at Smith College is $54,224. Room and board expenses average $18,040. Including additional fees and expenses, the total cost of attendance at Smith is approximately $76,000 per year. Financial aid is readily available, and the average financial aid package for Smith students is $50,000.
Smith College Admissions
Smith College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 32%. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores (optional). The average SAT score for incoming students is 1400, while the average ACT score is 31.
Smith College Degrees Offered
Smith offers more than 50 areas of study, including majors, minors, and concentrations across a wide range of disciplines. Popular majors at Smith include psychology, economics, government, biological sciences, and English.
Smith College Academics
With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Smith College provides an intimate and engaging learning environment. The college emphasizes experiential learning and offers numerous research, internship, and study abroad opportunities for its students.
Smith College Diversity
Smith College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The college has various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds, such as the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity and the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.
Smith College Students
Smith College is home to a diverse and active student body. With over 150 student organizations on campus, students have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities ranging from clubs and sports to community service projects.
Smith College Campus
Located on a picturesque 147-acre campus, Smith College features beautiful grounds and historic architecture. The campus includes modern academic facilities, several residence halls, and a variety of dining options, making it an ideal place for students to live and learn.
Smith College Alumni
Notable Smith College alumni include author Sylvia Plath, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Graduates of Smith College often pursue successful careers in various fields, including business, education, and public service.
Smith College Rankings
Smith College consistently ranks among the top women’s colleges and liberal arts institutions in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Smith No. 14 in National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2021.
Smith College Outcomes
According to the Smith College website, 93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of completing their degree. The average starting salary for Smith College graduates is $43,000.
Holy Cross vs Smith College Cost Comparision
When comparing the cost of attending Holy Cross and Smith College, both have similar tuition rates, with Holy Cross at $54,616 and Smith College at $54,224. However, Smith has a higher room and board cost at $18,040 compared to Holy Cross’s $15,984. The total estimated cost of attendance at Holy Cross is approximately $73,000 per year, while Smith College comes to around $76,000 per year. Both institutions offer financial aid packages to eligible students, with Smith College having a slightly higher average financial aid award at $50,000 compared to Holy Cross’s $42,500.
Holy Cross vs Smith College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both Holy Cross and Smith College are competitive, with Smith College having a slightly lower acceptance rate at 32% compared to Holy Cross’s 38%. Both schools have similar average SAT and ACT scores for incoming students. While both schools are selective, Smith College may be considered slightly more difficult to gain admission to based on acceptance rates and test scores.
Holy Cross vs Smith College Academic Difficulty
Both Holy Cross and Smith College are known for their rigorous academic environments. With student-to-faculty ratios of 10:1 and 9:1, respectively, both schools provide an engaging and intimate classroom experience. The choice between these two institutions may ultimately come down to personal preference and individual academic interests.
Holy Cross vs Smith College Outcome Comparision
According to available data, Holy Cross graduates have a slightly higher employment or graduate school enrollment rate within six months of graduation at 97%, compared to Smith College’s 93%. Additionally, Holy Cross graduates have a higher average starting salary at $57,000 compared to Smith College’s $43,000. These factors suggest that Holy Cross may offer better outcomes for its graduates. However, it’s important to consider individual goals, academic interests, and campus environment when making a college decision.
