This article will compare two highly-ranked liberal arts colleges: Holy Cross and Wesleyan University. We will explore various aspects of each institution, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison should help prospective students and their families make informed decisions when choosing the right college.
Holy Cross Overview
The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The college offers 32 majors and 34 minors, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and ethical decision-making. Holy Cross is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to service.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year are $56,630, with an additional $15,630 for room and board. The college offers need-based financial aid, with 84% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Holy Cross Admissions
Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of 38%, making it a selective institution. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.88, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1300-1470. The college values a well-rounded application, with emphasis on extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors include Economics, Psychology, Political Science, and Biology.
Holy Cross Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and an average class size of 19, Holy Cross provides an intimate learning environment for its students. The college emphasizes the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making skills.
Holy Cross Diversity
Holy Cross is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college has a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, including the Office of Multicultural Education and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board.
Holy Cross Students
Around 3,100 undergraduate students attend Holy Cross, with 53% female and 47% male students. Students come from 41 states and 21 countries, with 27% of students identifying as students of color.
Holy Cross Campus
The 174-acre Holy Cross campus features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The college offers 10 residence halls and various dining options for students.
Holy Cross Alumni
Notable alumni of Holy Cross include author and journalist James Carroll, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and television personality Chris Matthews.
Holy Cross Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Holy Cross is ranked #38 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #33 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Holy Cross Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at Holy Cross is 91%, and 81% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Holy Cross graduates is $56,000.
Wesleyan University Overview
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown, Connecticut. The university is known for its rigorous academics, innovative research opportunities, and commitment to social justice.
Wesleyan University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year at Wesleyan University are $59,686, with an additional $16,758 for room and board. The university offers need-based financial aid, with 46% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Wesleyan University Admissions
Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 17%, making it a highly selective institution. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.93, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1350-1520. The university looks for well-rounded applicants, with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements.
Wesleyan University Degrees Offered
Wesleyan offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in over 45 areas of study, as well as several graduate programs. Popular majors include Economics, Psychology, English, and Biology.
Wesleyan University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 18, Wesleyan provides an intimate and engaging learning environment. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, research opportunities, and experiential education.
Wesleyan University Diversity
Wesleyan is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The university has several programs and initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students, including the Office for Equity and Inclusion and the Resource Center.
Wesleyan University Students
Around 3,200 undergraduate and graduate students attend Wesleyan University, with 54% female and 46% male students. Students come from all 50 states and over 50 countries, with 35% identifying as students of color.
Wesleyan University Campus
The 316-acre Wesleyan campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and student life. The university offers various housing options, including residence halls, program houses, and apartments.
Wesleyan University Alumni
Notable alumni of Wesleyan University include Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” and Joss Whedon, creator of the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and director of “The Avengers.”
Wesleyan University Rankings
In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Wesleyan University is ranked #20 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #22 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Wesleyan University Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at Wesleyan University is 92%, and 83% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Wesleyan graduates is $60,000.
Holy Cross vs Wesleyan University Cost Comparison
Tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year are slightly higher at Wesleyan University ($59,686) compared to Holy Cross ($56,630). Additionally, room and board expenses at Wesleyan ($16,758) are slightly higher than at Holy Cross ($15,630). However, both institutions offer need-based financial aid to help offset these costs.
Holy Cross vs Wesleyan University Admissions Difficulty
Wesleyan University is more selective than Holy Cross, with an acceptance rate of 17% compared to Holy Cross’s 38%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is slightly higher at Wesleyan (3.93) than at Holy Cross (3.88), and the middle 50% of SAT scores also favors Wesleyan (1350-1520) over Holy Cross (1300-1470).
Holy Cross vs Wesleyan University Academic Difficulty
Both Holy Cross and Wesleyan University are known for their rigorous academics and strong emphasis on critical thinking skills. However, Wesleyan may be considered slightly more academically challenging due to its lower student-faculty ratio (8:1) compared to Holy Cross (10:1) and a greater focus on interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
Holy Cross vs Wesleyan University Outcome Comparison
Both Holy Cross and Wesleyan University boast strong outcomes for their graduates, with six-year graduation rates of 91% and 92% respectively, and employment or graduate school enrollment rates of 81% and 83% within six months of graduation. Wesleyan graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary ($60,000) compared to Holy Cross graduates ($56,000).
