Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Boston University vs College of the Holy Cross

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

Boston UniversityCollege of the Holy Cross
Acceptance Rate10.8%21.1%
In-State Tuition$65,168$60,850
Out-of-State Tuition$65,168$60,850
Average Net Price$14,465$20,419
Graduation Rate90.0%90.0%

GradFax Analysis

Boston University accepts 10.8% of applicants. College of the Holy Cross accepts 21.1%. Boston University's tuition is $65,168. College of the Holy Cross's is $60,850. College of the Holy Cross is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 90% at Boston University, 90% at College of the Holy Cross.

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 →Boston University profileCollege of the Holy Cross profile

Common Questions

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

Boston University. It accepts 10.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Boston University or College of the Holy Cross more affordable?

College of the Holy Cross has lower published tuition: $60,850 versus $65,168. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Boston University is at 90%; 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.

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