Head-to-Head Comparison
Boston University vs College of the Holy Cross
- Boston Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 13
- Holy Cross Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Boston University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $24,402 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, Boston University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Boston University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Boston
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,402, roughly $14,380 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Holy Cross
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Boston University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Boston graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); Holy Cross in Social Sciences (35%). 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 College of the Holy Cross over Boston University. Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment vs $83,238.
Pick Boston University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $24,402 vs $38,782.
Pick Boston University over College of the Holy Cross. 2% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Boston University and College of the Holy Cross are close on paper, but Boston University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Boston University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while College of the Holy Cross takes 18%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,353.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Boston University 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, Boston University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,402, about $14,380 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Boston University also borrow less: median debt of $23,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $57,520 before any change in aid. Choosing Boston University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, College of the Holy Cross graduates report median earnings of $90,543, compared with $83,238 at Boston University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Boston University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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
Boston University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Boston University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Boston 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 Boston University to keep costs and debt down; pick College of the Holy Cross for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Boston University saves about $14,380 a year, yet College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $7,305 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Boston University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Communications, while College of the Holy Cross leans toward Psychology, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Boston University's enrollment of 18,248 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,782 runs well above Boston University's $24,402.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $23,250 at Boston University.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Boston University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.
After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.
When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.
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
Boston University and College of the Holy Cross appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Colleges in Massachusetts, Boston University ranks #8 — Boston University outranks College of the Holy Cross by 5 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Boston's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while Holy Cross leads with Sociology (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Boston) and Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross).
The two schools feed different job markets. Boston University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while College of the Holy Cross concentrates in Psychology, English & Literature. 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 Boston University or College of the Holy Cross?
Boston University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 18% at College of the Holy Cross.
Which is more affordable, Boston University or College of the Holy Cross?
Boston University is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,402 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do Boston University or College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,238 at Boston University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Boston University or College of the Holy Cross?
Boston University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Boston University vs College of the Holy Cross: which is better for social mobility?
Boston University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2% versus 1%.
Should you choose Boston University or College of the Holy Cross?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Boston University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose College of the Holy Cross if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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