University of Holy Cross
- Graduation Rate
- 42% D+
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $49,316 B-
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $15,635 C+
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 74% C+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 16.9× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $16.9 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $16.9 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $994,087.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 21% above the national college median.
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Graduation of 42% — 26% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $16.9 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.4%
- Top 50%
- Patents
- 20
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 37
- Downstream influence
About University of Holy Cross
University of Holy Cross is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 471
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- 30
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Humanities, Education
Why students choose University of Holy Cross
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Competitive — admits about 74% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $15,635 a year after grants and scholarships — 9% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $49,316 ten years after enrolling — 21% above the typical college, against $26,995 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
At the University of Holy Cross, students find a welcoming environment that prioritizes personal growth alongside academic achievement. With 471 students enrolled and a 74% acceptance rate, this school is an accessible choice for those looking to pursue their passions, particularly in programs like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Humanities, Education, and Psychology. The smaller campus fosters a close-knit community, where students can engage deeply with their studies and form lasting connections with peers and faculty.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $49,316 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for solid career outcomes, especially for those who take advantage of the school's diverse academic offerings. While the graduation rate sits at 42%, it's important to consider that many students still find their footing in the professional world. Affordability is also a factor; with 28% of students receiving Pell Grants, there are financial resources available to support those who need it.
In terms of the practical side of attending the University of Holy Cross, the net price after aid is around $15,635, which can make it a manageable option for many. The median debt of $26,995 reflects what graduates might carry as they begin their careers. This school tends to attract students who value a supportive learning environment and are motivated to succeed, making it a good fit for those who thrive in a collaborative setting.
Rankings
- #11 Best Education Colleges in Louisiana
- #17 Best Nursing Colleges in Louisiana
- #21 Best Business Colleges in Louisiana
- #22 Best Psychology Colleges in Louisiana
- #23 Best Bachelor's Programs in Louisiana
- #23 Best Master's Programs in Louisiana
- #24 Best Colleges in Louisiana
- #25 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Holy Cross is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Holy Cross? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
University of Holy Cross, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 19. The graduation rate is roughly 42%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Retention Rate
- 71%
- ACT Midpoint
- 19
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,708
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.73
- First-Gen Students
- 49%
- Applicants
- 917
- Admitted
- 801
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Holy Cross? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Holy Cross is $16,576, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,635. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $14,202 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,995 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $16,576
- Out-of-State
- $16,576
- Avg Net Price
- $15,635
- Median Debt
- $26,995
- Pell Grant Rate
- 28%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 34%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $14,202
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $15,215
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $15,314
- Family Income $110K+
- $16,087
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of Holy Cross Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Holy Cross earn a median of $49,316, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $46,296
- 8 Years
- $47,498
- 10 Years
- $49,316
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.55x
- Earning > $25K
- 75%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (10)
- 16%
- 100% (10)
- 16%
- 100% (10)
- 16%
- 100% (10)
- 16%
How University Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is University of Holy Cross Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Holy Cross delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $15,635/year ($62,540 total). Graduates earn $49,316 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,056,627 in total earnings — a net gain of $994,087 (16.9× your investment). The median debt is $26,995, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 42% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $62,540
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,056,627
- Net Return
- $994,087
- ROI Multiple
- 16.9×
- Cost Per Year
- $15,635
- Median Debt
- $26,995
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
University of Holy Cross produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 20 patents tied to its graduates.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.45%
- Top 50% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 20
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 37
- Downstream influence
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $1,284,390
- Investment Income
- $-4,112,320
Top Programs
The fields University of Holy Cross awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Health Professions 60%
- Business & Marketing 15%
- Humanities 8%
- Education 7%
- Psychology 5%
- Biology & Biomedical 1%
- Culinary & Personal Services 1%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of Holy Cross's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- B-Optometrist$131,860 · 9% growthResilient 96
- CPurchasing Manager$131,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- B+Physician Assistant$130,020 · 28% growthResilient 96
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Holy Cross? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
University of Holy Cross, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 19. The graduation rate is roughly 42%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Holy Cross? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Holy Cross is $16,576, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,635. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $14,202 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $26,995 in federal student loans.
Is University of Holy Cross Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Holy Cross earn a median of $49,316, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Holy Cross.
- Rosemont CollegeRosemont, PA · Close peer49% grad $48,555 earn 76% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Sweet Briar CollegeSweet Briar, VA · Close peer50% grad $51,943 earn 76% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Eureka CollegeEureka, IL · Close peer41% grad $51,641 earn 85% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Central Baptist CollegeConway, AR · Close peer35% grad $46,789 earn 63% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Blackburn CollegeCarlinville, IL · Close peer55% grad $46,802 earn 63% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar size
- Louisiana Christian UniversityPineville, LA · Close peer42% grad $51,700 earn 77% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
