At $16,780/yr net price, University of Holy Cross graduates earn $49,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,780 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,995 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,852/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,852/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,623/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,177/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,880 | $31,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $48,667 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $46,478 | $41,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $41,007 | $54,667 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,523 |
The Risk Factor
35.8% of students at University of Holy Cross graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Holy Cross delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median earnings of just $49,316 ten years after graduation and a troubling 35.8% graduation rate, most students here struggle to complete their degrees or earn strong salaries afterward.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable path, with graduates earning $63,880 annually against reasonable debt of $31,500. This program alone justifies considering Holy Cross if you're committed to healthcare. Education majors face a harsh reality: earning $39,523 with the same debt load as nurses, creating a poor return on investment.
The school's 69% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out, often after accumulating debt without a degree to show for it. Mental health services graduates carry particularly heavy debt burdens of $54,667 while earning just $41,007, making loan repayment difficult.
You should consider Holy Cross only if you're entering the nursing program or can afford the $16,780 annual net price without significant borrowing. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial support beyond basic federal programs. Students seeking strong career prospects in business, technology, or other high-earning fields will find better options elsewhere.
Skip this school unless nursing is your clear goal and you can complete the program without excessive debt. The combination of low graduation rates, weak earnings across most majors, and limited financial aid creates substantial financial risk for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Holy Cross worth the cost?
University of Holy Cross has mixed value depending on your program. Nursing graduates earn $63,880 annually, making the $27,000 median debt manageable, but the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at University of Holy Cross?
Nursing programs at University of Holy Cross offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $63,880 per year. Allied health programs pay $48,667 annually, while education majors earn around $39,500-$46,500.
How much debt do University of Holy Cross graduates have?
University of Holy Cross graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. This debt load is reasonable for nursing majors who earn $63,880, but creates financial strain for education majors earning under $40,000.
What is the graduation rate at University of Holy Cross?
Only 36% of students graduate from University of Holy Cross within six years. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree, making the investment risky despite the affordable $16,780 net price.