Bowdoin College vs College of the Holy Cross

Bowdoin College and College of the Holy Cross, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Bowdoin, located in Brunswick, Maine, boasts a lower acceptance rate (10%) and a higher graduation rate (95%) compared to Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts (acceptance rate of 48% and graduation rate of 92%). While Bowdoin's student body is slightly larger, both colleges share a similar gender ratio, with a higher proportion of female students. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, financial aid opportunities, and campus culture, to determine which college best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bowdoin College	College of the Holy Cross
Overview
Location	Brunswick, Maine	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	8.8%	42.9%
Application fees	$65	$60
SAT range	N/A	1240 - 1420
ACT range	N/A	28 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		40.0%
Students submitting ACT score		19.0%
Total number of applicants	9,325	6,498
Total number of admissions given out	822	2,786
Admitted students who chose to enroll	517	821
Yield rate	62.9%	29.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$76,310	$74,520
Average net price	$26,727	$29,198
Tuition	$57,776	$55,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,630 Meal plan: $8,268	Room/dormitory: $8,800 Meal plan: $7,280
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $45,153	63.0% Average amount $33,661
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $4,767	38.0% Average amount $5,151
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $20,700	13.0% Average amount $2,342

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,951 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%	3,029 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	91.5%	N/A
International students	7.1%	3.1%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,913	2,619
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York California Maine Connecticut New Jersey	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Ethnic Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Natural Resources and Conservation Mathematics and Statistics	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Physical Science Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	93.8%	92.6%
Dropout rate	2.2%	1.8%
Transferred out	4.0%	4.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $122,292 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $83,803 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,127 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $77,719 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,934 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $60,473 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,244 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: N/A Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,771 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,658 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: N/A Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,454 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,612 Year 2: $66,519 Year 3: $81,782 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,599 Year 2: $52,733 Year 3: $72,640 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,229 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $60,341 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,588 Year 2: $44,590 Year 3: $59,114 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,436 Year 2: $46,357 Year 3: $58,346 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,146 Year 2: $42,363 Year 3: $57,920 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,425 Year 2: $42,309 Year 3: $54,005 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,352 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $50,696 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,359 Year 2: $45,175 Year 3: $49,457 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,474 Year 2: $42,458 Year 3: $47,527

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Bowdoin College and College of the Holy Cross?

Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, Maine, offering a quintessential New England college town experience with access to the coast and outdoor activities. Holy Cross is situated in Worcester, Massachusetts, providing a more urban environment with proximity to a larger city and its associated cultural and professional opportunities. Bowdoin's campus is known for its classic New England architecture and close-knit community, while Holy Cross has a more traditional, collegiate feel with a strong emphasis on its Catholic identity.
How do the academic programs at Bowdoin and Holy Cross compare?

Both Bowdoin and Holy Cross offer strong liberal arts curricula. Bowdoin is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and its strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Holy Cross also excels in the liberal arts, with a particularly strong reputation in pre-med, pre-law, and business-related fields. Holy Cross has a more structured core curriculum, while Bowdoin offers more flexibility in course selection.
What is the student body like at each college?

Bowdoin has a slightly smaller student body than Holy Cross, fostering a close-knit community. Both colleges attract academically strong students. Bowdoin's student body is known for its intellectual curiosity and commitment to social justice. Holy Cross students are often described as highly engaged and involved in campus life, with a strong sense of community and school spirit.
How does the cost of attendance compare?

The overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable at both Bowdoin and Holy Cross. Both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to make their education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and financial aid information on each college's website for the most up-to-date details.
What are the strengths of the extracurricular activities and campus life at Bowdoin and Holy Cross?

Bowdoin offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a strong athletic program (especially in hockey and lacrosse), numerous student clubs, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Holy Cross also has a vibrant campus life, with a strong emphasis on athletics (particularly in basketball), a variety of student organizations, and a focus on community service and social justice initiatives. Both colleges provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build community.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ?

Both Bowdoin and Holy Cross have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Bowdoin's alumni network is known for its strong connections and willingness to help students. Holy Cross also boasts a dedicated and active alumni network, particularly strong in the Northeast, providing valuable networking opportunities and career support.
What are the religious affiliations of each college?

Bowdoin College is a non-denominational institution. College of the Holy Cross is a Jesuit Catholic institution. While Holy Cross welcomes students of all faiths, its Catholic identity is central to its mission and values, influencing its curriculum, campus culture, and community service initiatives.
Which college is better for students interested in outdoor activities?

Bowdoin College is generally considered a better choice for students who prioritize outdoor activities. Its location in Maine provides easy access to hiking, skiing, and coastal recreation. While Holy Cross is not as directly connected to outdoor opportunities, it is still within driving distance of outdoor destinations.
How do the dining options compare?

Both Bowdoin and Holy Cross offer a variety of dining options on campus. Bowdoin is known for its excellent dining hall food and commitment to sustainability. Holy Cross also provides a range of dining choices, including traditional dining halls and more casual options. Both colleges cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Which college is a better fit for students seeking a strong sense of community?

Both Bowdoin and Holy Cross foster a strong sense of community. However, Holy Cross, with its emphasis on Jesuit values and campus traditions, often cultivates a particularly close-knit and supportive environment. Bowdoin also has a strong community, but its smaller size and location may contribute to a slightly different feel.

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