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
The University of Holy Cross runs on nursing. Its Registered Nursing bachelor's graduates earn $63,880, nearly $15,000 above the school's overall median and well above what any other program here delivers. If you enroll in nursing and finish, the math works: strong regional demand for nurses across New Orleans hospitals meets a salary that clears your debt load in a reasonable window.
Outside nursing, the picture weakens fast. Allied health graduates land close to the school-wide median, and teacher education pays under $40,000. That teaching figure barely covers the median debt you'd carry out, and Louisiana's public school pay ceilings mean it won't climb quickly. If education is your goal, borrow as little as possible here.
The biggest financial risk is that only about a third of students graduate, and roughly three in ten first-year students don't return for year two. You can borrow tuition and still leave without the degree that makes the earnings possible. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and the odds of it here are real.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay the least, around $13,949, while those under $30,000 pay more, near $16,852. Lower-income families don't get the biggest break here, so run your own aid numbers before committing.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing and confident you'll finish. The pipeline into New Orleans health systems is the clearest payoff available. If you're undecided on a major, drawn to teaching, or unsure you'll stay enrolled, the low graduation rate makes the private-school price a gamble. Look at cheaper public options first.
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.