Academic Comparison between Salem State and Holy Cross

Salem State University and College of the Holy Cross are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Holy Cross is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Worcester, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Salem State is a public and Holy Cross is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Holy Cross has more expensive tuition & fees ($64,500) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Holy Cross than Salem State.
  • Salem State has more students with 6,230 students while Holy Cross has 3,126 students.
  • Holy Cross has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Holy Cross has more full-time faculties with 313 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.College of the Holy Cross
Salem, MassachusettsLocationWorcester, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$64,500
72%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$42,409
95.88 %Acceptance Rates17.61 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)49.55 %
-SAT Score1,340
-ACT Score30
50 %Graduation Rate87 %
-Transfer-out Rate6 %
75 %Retention Rate95 %
6,230Student Population3,126
296Number of Faculties313
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services