Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs Lehigh University
- Holy Cross Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 18
- Lehigh Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Lehigh University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,931 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, Lehigh University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Lehigh University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Holy Cross
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 17% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,931, roughly $1,851 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,960, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Holy Cross graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Lehigh in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Lehigh University over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick Lehigh University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $36,931 vs $38,782.
Pick Lehigh University over College of the Holy Cross. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
College of the Holy Cross and Lehigh University are close on paper, but Lehigh 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
College of the Holy Cross is the harder admit. It takes 18% of applicants, while Lehigh University takes 26%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,440.
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, Lehigh University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,931, about $1,851 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Lehigh University also borrow less: median debt of $21,960, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,404 before any change in aid. Choosing Lehigh University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 17% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 17% 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
Lehigh University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Lehigh University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. College of the Holy Cross concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Lehigh University leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,960 at Lehigh University.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Lehigh University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Lehigh University's enrollment of 5,898 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
Rankings They Appear On
Lehigh University is featured on the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Holy Cross's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Lehigh leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while Lehigh University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT. 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 College of the Holy Cross or Lehigh University?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 26% at Lehigh University.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,931 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross.
Which has a better graduation rate, College of the Holy Cross or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
College of the Holy Cross vs Lehigh University: which is better for social mobility?
Lehigh University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or Lehigh University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Lehigh 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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