Holy Cross College
Holy Cross College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Holy Cross College Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Holy Cross College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,416 — 6% below average — while paying $26,728/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Holy Cross College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Holy Cross College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #79 of 119 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #3 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #4 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #79 | Holy Cross College | 23 | $26,728 | $50,416 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Holy Cross College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in IN.
Best Programs at Holy Cross College
The highest-earning program at Holy Cross College is Business/Commerce, General at $37,800/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Holy Cross College earns $37,800, while a Business/Commerce, General graduate earns $37,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $23,750 in median debt vs. $23,750 for Business/Commerce, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,728/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $37,800 | $37,800 | $23,750 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Notre Dame, IN
- Student Body
- 639 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,728
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,416
- Median Student Debt
- $24,000