Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs Northeastern University
- Holy Cross Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 18
- Northeastern Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Northeastern University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,915 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, Northeastern University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Northeastern 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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Northeastern
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,915, roughly $7,867 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 90% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Holy Cross graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Northeastern in Business & Marketing (21%). 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 Northeastern University over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick Northeastern University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $30,915 vs $38,782.
Pick Northeastern University over College of the Holy Cross. 2.4% 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 Northeastern University are close on paper, but Northeastern University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Northeastern University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while College of the Holy Cross takes 18%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,497.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Northeastern 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, Northeastern University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,915, about $7,867 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Northeastern University also borrow less: median debt of $24,250, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,468 before any change in aid. Choosing Northeastern University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Northeastern University graduates report median earnings of $92,538, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Northeastern University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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
Northeastern University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Northeastern University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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
Their academic identities diverge. College of the Holy Cross concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Northeastern University leans toward Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,782 runs well above Northeastern University's $30,915.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and Northeastern University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross has less business program depth, and Northeastern University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northeastern University's enrollment of 17,326 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern 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.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.
When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.
Rankings They Appear On
Northeastern University is featured on the Colleges With the Biggest Early Decision Advantage ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Holy Cross's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Northeastern leads with Business Administration (21%).
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 Northeastern).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while Northeastern University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Engineering. 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 Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 18% at College of the Holy Cross.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,915 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 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 Northeastern University?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 88%.
College of the Holy Cross vs Northeastern University: which is better for social mobility?
Northeastern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or Northeastern University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Northeastern University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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