At $36,868/yr net price, College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $90,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $56,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,868 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $147,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $90,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$56,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 89.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,900/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,282/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,722/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,535/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,228/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $66,519 | $27,000 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $59,417 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,733 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $46,357 | $27,000 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $45,175 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $44,590 | $27,000 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,975 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $42,458 | $26,449 |
| History. | Bachelor | $42,363 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
89.6% of students at College of the Holy Cross graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
College of the Holy Cross delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $90,543 after ten years, well above the national average for college graduates. Your net price of around $37,000 annually positions this investment favorably compared to peer liberal arts colleges.
Economics majors see the strongest payoff with starting salaries around $66,500, making the $27,000 typical debt load manageable. Physics and mathematics graduates also command solid starting salaries above $50,000. However, chemistry majors face a concerning gap between their $45,000 starting earnings and the same debt burden, creating a tighter financial picture in early career years.
The school's 90% graduation rate reduces your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. Worcester's proximity to Boston expands your job market access, particularly valuable for the many Holy Cross graduates who enter finance and consulting.
You face one significant financial risk: only 15% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense given the school's selectivity.
Holy Cross makes financial sense if your family can handle the upfront costs without excessive borrowing or if you target high-earning majors like economics. The strong alumni network in Northeast business markets adds value beyond the degree itself. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Holy Cross worth the cost?
Holy Cross graduates earn $90,543 annually 10 years after graduation, which is solid but not exceptional given the $36,868 annual net price. The return on investment is reasonable for a liberal arts college, though graduates typically won't see the high earnings of top engineering or business programs.
What are the best paying majors at College of the Holy Cross?
Economics majors at Holy Cross earn the highest starting salaries at $66,519, followed by Physics at $59,417. Liberal arts majors like Political Science ($46,357) and Chemistry ($45,175) earn significantly less, making program choice critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do College of the Holy Cross students graduate with?
Holy Cross students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. With typical starting salaries around $45,000-$66,000 depending on major, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Does College of the Holy Cross provide good financial aid?
The net price of $36,868 after aid is still substantial for most families, representing about 60-70% of median household income. While Holy Cross offers aid, the school remains expensive even after discounts for middle-class students.