College of the Holy Cross vs Fairfield
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.College of the Holy CrossWorcester, MACatholic collegeBFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Fairfield UniversityFairfield, CTCatholic college
At a glance
- Both are Jesuit colleges.
- College of the Holy Cross lists Mass every weekday; Fairfield lists Mass every weekday.
- College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate: 87% against 84% at Fairfield.
- For families earning up to $30,000, College of the Holy Cross has the lower price after aid: $14,343 a year, against $33,302 at Fairfield.
Catholic life
Faith grade
BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BFaith: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Sacramental life
ASacramental life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
ASacramental life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Theology and core curriculum
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Campus culture and residence life
ACampus culture and residence life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BCampus culture and residence life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Service and Catholic social teaching
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
Every weekday
Every weekday
Confession times
5 times a week
Eucharistic adoration
Once a week
Campus ministry
4 listed
2 listed
Religious order or tradition
Jesuit
Jesuit
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Worcester, MA
Fairfield, CT
Setting
City
Suburb
Students
3,035
6,289
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
18%
33%
Average SAT
1353
1335
ACT middle 50%
27–32
29–32
Graduation rate
87%
84%
First-year retention
95%
91%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$38,782
$48,095
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$14,343
$33,302
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$16,179
$35,155
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$12,682
$26,953
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$27,711
$44,077
Net price, over $110,000 income
$56,284
$50,773
Median debt
$27,000
$26,000
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$90,543
$88,794
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.