Holy Cross vs Emerson College

Ready to start your journey?

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Making a decision between two schools can be both exciting and challenging. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive comparison between Holy Cross and Emerson College, covering various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, campus life, diversity, and outcomes. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what each school has to offer, which will make it easier for you to make an informed decision about which institution best fits your needs and aspirations.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Holy Cross: Overview

College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843, is a private liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Holy Cross is renowned for its strong commitment to liberal arts education, rigorous academic programs, and emphasis on fostering a tight-knit community. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 3,100 students, Holy Cross offers over 30 major programs and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring a personalized learning experience for students.

Holy Cross: Costs & Tuition

The total cost to attend Holy Cross for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $73,740, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Holy Cross is committed to making education accessible to all students, offering need-based financial aid packages that help reduce the financial burden. In fact, about 70% of Holy Cross students receive some form of financial aid. The average need-based grant awarded is around $41,700.

Holy Cross: Admissions

Holy Cross has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 38%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1300-1450 and an ACT score range of 29-33. Holy Cross uses a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering various factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

Holy Cross: Degrees Offered

Holy Cross offers more than 30 major programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors include economics, psychology, political science, and biology. Students also have the option to design their own major, giving them the flexibility to explore their interests and passions.

Holy Cross: Academics

Holy Cross is known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and commitment to academic excellence. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes and personalized attention from professors. Faculty members are dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and advising students, helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Holy Cross: Diversity

Holy Cross values diversity and inclusion, with students representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. About 28% of undergraduate students identify as students of color. Holy Cross offers various resources and programs to support diversity, such as the Office of Multicultural Education, which aims to promote an inclusive and equitable campus community.

Holy Cross: Students

Holy Cross students are known for being academically driven, socially engaged, and actively involved in campus life. With more than 100 student-run clubs and organizations, students have ample opportunities to pursue their interests, develop leadership skills, and form lasting friendships. Additionally, Holy Cross has a strong commitment to service and social justice, with numerous volunteering and service-learning opportunities available to students.

Holy Cross: Campus

The Holy Cross campus spans 174 acres and features beautiful Gothic architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and picturesque views of Worcester and the surrounding hills. The campus offers numerous resources to support student success, including a modern library, science center, and athletic facilities. On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years, fostering a strong sense of community among students.

Holy Cross: Alumni

Holy Cross has a strong alumni network of more than 36,000 graduates who have gone on to succeed in various fields, such as business, education, law, and medicine. The Alumni Association offers various programs and resources to support alumni in their personal and professional lives, including networking events, career services, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Holy Cross: Rankings

Holy Cross consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Holy Cross is ranked #33 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Additionally, the college is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, ranking #48 in the Best Undergraduate Teaching category.

Holy Cross: Outcomes

Graduates of Holy Cross are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields, with 95% of graduates employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service program within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Holy Cross graduates is around $56,000.

Emerson College: Overview

Emerson College, established in 1880, is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts, with a focus on communication and the arts. Emerson offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as journalism, marketing, film, performing arts, and writing. With an enrollment of around 3,855 undergraduate students, Emerson provides a vibrant and creative learning environment with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Emerson College: Costs & Tuition

The estimated total cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at Emerson College is approximately $73,470, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Like Holy Cross, Emerson is committed to providing financial assistance to students in need, with more than 80% of students receiving some form of financial aid. The average need-based grant awarded is around $26,400.

Emerson College: Admissions

Emerson College has an acceptance rate of about 36%, making its admissions process competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1190-1370 and an ACT score range of 27-32. Similar to Holy Cross, Emerson takes a holistic approach in evaluating applications, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

Emerson College: Degrees Offered

Emerson offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in communication, media, and the arts. Popular majors include marketing, journalism, film production, writing, and performing arts. The college’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen field, coupled with experiential learning opportunities to help them build real-world skills.

Emerson College: Academics

Academics at Emerson are focused on providing a hands-on, experiential learning experience for students. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention from professors, who are often industry professionals with extensive experience in their fields. The college’s location in Boston also provides students with ample opportunities for internships, networking, and creative collaborations.

Emerson College: Diversity

Emerson values diversity and inclusion, with 33% of undergraduate students identifying as students of color. The college offers various resources and programs to support an inclusive campus community, including the Social Justice Center, which focuses on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the college.

Emerson College: Students

Emerson College students are known for their creativity, passion, and dedication to their chosen fields. With more than 90 student-run clubs and organizations, students have ample opportunities to get involved, make connections, and develop their skills. The vibrant campus culture and urban Boston location provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Emerson College: Campus

Emerson’s urban campus is situated in the heart of downtown Boston, providing students with access to a diverse array of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support student success, such as the Ansin Building, which houses the journalism department, and the Paramount Center, a multi-use facility for performing arts and film.

Emerson College: Alumni

Emerson College boasts a strong alumni network of more than 36,000 graduates who have gone on to excel in various fields, including media, entertainment, and communication. Alumni have access to a variety of resources and programs to support their personal and professional development, including networking events, career services, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Emerson College: Rankings

In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Emerson College is ranked #6 in Regional Universities North and #9 in Most Innovative Schools. The college’s programs in journalism, film, and marketing are also highly ranked and recognized within their respective fields.

Emerson College: Outcome

Emerson College graduates are well-prepared for success in their chosen careers, with 93% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Emerson graduates is around $45,000.

Holy Cross vs Emerson College: Cost Comparison

Both Holy Cross and Emerson College have similar total costs of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year, with Holy Cross at $73,740 and Emerson at $73,470. However, the average need-based grant awarded at Holy Cross is significantly higher than at Emerson, at $41,700 and $26,400, respectively. This difference could be a deciding factor for students who require financial assistance to attend college.

Holy Cross vs Emerson College: Admissions Difficulty

Both Holy Cross and Emerson College have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 38% and 36%, respectively. In terms of test scores, Holy Cross has a slightly higher middle 50% range for both SAT and ACT scores. However, both institutions use a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering factors beyond just test scores and academic performance.

Holy Cross vs Emerson College: Academic Difficulty

Holy Cross and Emerson College both offer rigorous academic programs and maintain high standards for their students. Holy Cross emphasizes a liberal arts education, while Emerson focuses on communication and the arts. The choice between these two institutions will largely depend on the student’s academic interests and preferred learning environment.

Holy Cross vs Emerson College: Outcome Comparison

Both Holy Cross and Emerson College graduates have successful outcomes, with 95% of Holy Cross graduates and 93% of Emerson graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. However, the average starting salary for Holy Cross graduates is higher than that for Emerson graduates, at $56,000 and $45,000, respectively.

In conclusion, both Holy Cross and Emerson College are reputable institutions that offer unique learning experiences. Students must consider factors such as academic interests, financial needs, campus culture, and location when making their decision. This comprehensive comparison should serve as a helpful starting point for students who are considering these two institutions.