Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs College of the Holy Cross
- Brigham Young Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 6
- Holy Cross Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While College of the Holy Cross achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,782 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $23,218 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
Holy Cross
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, 19% more than Brigham Young University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (15% 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 Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $15,564 vs $38,782.
Pick College of the Holy Cross over Brigham Young University. 1% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick College of the Holy Cross over Brigham Young University. 88% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and College of the Holy Cross are close on paper, but College of the Holy Cross 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 Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 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, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $23,218 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $92,872 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young 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 $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 19% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 19% 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.
Finishing the degree
College of the Holy Cross graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
College of the Holy Cross does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. Brigham Young University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, College of the Holy Cross 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 Brigham Young 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. Brigham Young University saves about $23,218 a year, yet College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $14,753 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. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while College of the Holy Cross leans toward Social Sciences, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,782 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Brigham Young 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
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
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rocky Mountains ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (15% 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 Brigham Young) and Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while College of the Holy Cross concentrates in Social Sciences, 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 Brigham Young University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or College of the Holy Cross?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do Brigham Young 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 $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University vs College of the Holy Cross: which is better for social mobility?
College of the Holy Cross is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or College of the Holy Cross?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young 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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