Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs Stanford University
- Holy Cross Wins
- 5
- Tied
- 15
- Stanford Wins
- 32
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,807 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, Stanford University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 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.
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $24,975 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% 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); Stanford in Computer Science & IT (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 Stanford University over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick Stanford University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $13,807 vs $38,782.
Pick Stanford University over College of the Holy Cross. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick Stanford University over College of the Holy Cross. 92% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
College of the Holy Cross and Stanford University are close on paper, but Stanford 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
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while College of the Holy Cross takes 18%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stanford 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, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $24,975 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $99,900 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% 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
Stanford University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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
Stanford University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. Stanford University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while Stanford University leans toward 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 Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Stanford University's enrollment of 7,554 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford 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) 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
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.
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
Rankings They Appear On
Stanford University is featured on the Hardest Colleges to Get Into ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Holy Cross's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Stanford leads with Computer Science (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 Stanford).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while Stanford University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 18% at College of the Holy Cross.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or Stanford University?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or Stanford University graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 88%.
College of the Holy Cross vs Stanford University: which is better for social mobility?
Stanford University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or Stanford University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford 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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