Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Amherst College vs College of the Holy Cross

Amherst, MA · Worcester, MA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Amherst CollegeCollege of the Holy Cross
Acceptance Rate9.8%21.1%
In-State Tuition$67,280$60,850
Out-of-State Tuition$67,280$60,850
Average Net Price$3,521$20,419
Graduation Rate93.0%90.0%

GradFax Analysis

Amherst College accepts 9.8% of applicants. College of the Holy Cross accepts 21.1%. Amherst College's tuition is $67,280. College of the Holy Cross's is $60,850. College of the Holy Cross is cheaper. Amherst College graduates 93% of students in 6 years. College of the Holy Cross graduates 90%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Amherst College profileCollege of the Holy Cross profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Amherst College or College of the Holy Cross?

Amherst College. It accepts 9.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Amherst College or College of the Holy Cross more affordable?

College of the Holy Cross has lower published tuition: $60,850 versus $67,280. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Amherst College: 93% of students finish in 6 years. College of the Holy Cross is at 90%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Amherst College vs College of the Holy Cross: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax