Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Holy Cross Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 18
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a significantly safer investment tier. While College of the Holy Cross achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,782 compared to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's $36,228 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute'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
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rensselaer Polytechnic
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,051 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,228, roughly $2,554 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,750, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3%, 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); Rensselaer Polytechnic in Engineering (42%). 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $102,051 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $36,228 vs $38,782.
Pick Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute over College of the Holy Cross. 3% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick College of the Holy Cross over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 88% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
College of the Holy Cross and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are close on paper, but Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute takes 63%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,456.
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, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,228, about $2,554 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute also borrow less: median debt of $23,750, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,216 before any change in aid. Choosing Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates report median earnings of $102,051, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts the higher mobility rate, at 3%. 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, Psychology, while Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's enrollment of 5,714 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rensselaer Polytechnic 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.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 5,700 students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, is a great fit for those looking to dive deep into STEM fields. With programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Mathematics, it attracts students who are serious about blending technical skills with practical applications. The acceptance rate of 63% means there's room for a diverse range of applicants, making it accessible without compromising on the quality of education.
After graduation, Rensselaer alumni can expect solid financial outcomes. With a ten-year earnings average of $102,051, students typically see a significant return on their investment in education. That’s a strong indicator of how well graduates navigate the workforce, especially in fields like engineering and tech, which are in high demand. This financial success is paired with a net price of $36,228 after aid, making it a reasonable choice for those who are willing to invest in their future.
When it comes to affordability, the median debt for graduates is $23,750, which is quite manageable given the earning potential. The 20% Pell Grant rate suggests that there's support for low-income students, but the school also attracts a mix of others who thrive on the collaborative and rigorous environment. If you're motivated, willing to engage deeply with your studies, and interested in a strong career trajectory, Rensselaer could be a great match for you.
Rankings They Appear On
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Holy Cross's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Rensselaer Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (42%).
Rensselaer Polytechnic
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 Rensselaer Polytechnic).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 63% at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,228 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,051 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 83%.
College of the Holy Cross vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: which is better for social mobility?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3% versus 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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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