Head-to-Head Comparison
Bentley University vs College of the Holy Cross
- Bentley Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 15
- Holy Cross Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Bentley University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While College of the Holy Cross achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,782 compared to Bentley University's $37,930. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Bentley University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bentley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, 34% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $37,930, roughly $852 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,023, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Holy Cross
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bentley graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (90% of degrees); Holy Cross in Social Sciences (33%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bentley University over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick Bentley University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $37,930 vs $38,782.
Pick Bentley University over College of the Holy Cross. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bentley University and College of the Holy Cross are close on paper, but Bentley University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
College of the Holy Cross is the harder admit. It takes 18% of applicants, while Bentley University takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,352 to 1,353.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, College of the Holy Cross sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Bentley University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $37,930, about $852 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Bentley University also borrow less: median debt of $25,023, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,408 before any change in aid. Choosing Bentley University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bentley University graduates report median earnings of $120,959, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 34% advantage. Set against borrowing, Bentley University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 34% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Bentley University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Bentley University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Bentley University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Bentley University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, with a 18% admit rate, but Bentley University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Bentley University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while College of the Holy Cross leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bentley University's enrollment of 4,474 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and Bentley University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Bentley University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Bentley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Holy Cross does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bentley University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
At Bentley University, students who are interested in business, technology, and social sciences will find a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. With an acceptance rate of 45%, this private nonprofit school draws in a diverse group of around 4,474 students. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, making programs in Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Health Professions particularly popular.
When looking ahead to life after graduation, Bentley graduates see impressive financial outcomes. On average, they earn about $120,959 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure is significant because it reflects the university's strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers. While 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to affordability for those who need it, the overall financial picture remains favorable for graduates.
Considering the practicalities, the net price after aid stands at $37,930, which is manageable relative to the median debt of $25,023. This debt load is reasonable and allows many graduates to thrive in their early careers. Bentley is ideal for motivated individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and the broader community, setting themselves up for success in a competitive job market.
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 18%, the College of the Holy Cross attracts students who are not only academically driven but also eager for a transformative educational experience. Here, students dive into programs like Social Sciences, Psychology, and Biology, among others. This school is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and personal growth.
Looking at life after graduation, Holy Cross graduates see impressive earnings, averaging around $90,543 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This financial trajectory speaks volumes about the school’s ability to prepare students for successful careers. It’s worth noting that the high graduation rate of 88% indicates that most students stay on track to complete their degrees, which can significantly affect future earning potential.
When it comes to the cost of attending, the net price stands at $38,782 after financial aid, while the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This can be manageable for many, especially considering the strong earning potential post-graduation. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take full advantage of the resources and community at Holy Cross.
Rankings They Appear On
Bentley University and College of the Holy Cross appear together in 8 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Bentley University ranks #2 — Bentley University outranks College of the Holy Cross by 27 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Bentley's top program is Business Administration (90% of enrollment), while Holy Cross leads with Sociology (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Bentley) and Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bentley University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Communications, while College of the Holy Cross concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, Physical Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bentley University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 45% at Bentley University.
Which is more affordable, Bentley University or College of the Holy Cross?
Bentley University is more affordable, with an average net price of $37,930 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do Bentley University or College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more?
Bentley University graduates earn more: median earnings of $120,959 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bentley University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
Bentley University vs College of the Holy Cross: which is better for social mobility?
Bentley University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1%.
Should you choose Bentley University or College of the Holy Cross?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Bentley University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose College of the Holy Cross if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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