University of Holy Cross
University of Holy Cross — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Holy Cross at a Glance
University of Holy Cross (UHC) is a private Catholic liberal arts college in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It was founded by the Marianites of Holy Cross.
1916
110 years old
1,120
774 undergrad · 346 grad
147
Identity
Is University of Holy Cross Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, University of Holy Cross is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,316 — 8% below average — while paying $15,635/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,995 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Holy Cross has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Holy Cross compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #22 of 72 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 | Appalachian Bible College | 59 | $11,579 | $37,467 |
| #3 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #22 | University of Holy Cross | 33 | $15,635 | $49,316 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Holy Cross's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in LA.
Best Programs at University of Holy Cross
The highest-earning program at University of Holy Cross is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,900/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Holy Cross earns $60,900, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $60,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $33,399 in median debt vs. $33,399 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,635/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,900 | $60,900 | $33,399 |
Similar Colleges in LA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Orleans, LA
- Student Body
- 471 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,635
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,316
- Median Student Debt
- $26,995