Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs University of Pennsylvania
- Holy Cross Wins
- 6
- Tied
- 15
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 31
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Pennsylvania offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,699 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, University of Pennsylvania delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Pennsylvania'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.
Pennsylvania
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than College of the Holy Cross
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,699, roughly $10,083 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,715, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, 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); Pennsylvania in Social Sciences (11%). 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 University of Pennsylvania over College of the Holy Cross. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $90,543.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $28,699 vs $38,782.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over College of the Holy Cross. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over College of the Holy Cross. 97% 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 University of Pennsylvania are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania 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
University of Pennsylvania 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 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Pennsylvania 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, University of Pennsylvania comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,699, about $10,083 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of University of Pennsylvania also borrow less: median debt of $15,715, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $40,332 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Pennsylvania leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Pennsylvania graduates report median earnings of $111,371, compared with $90,543 at College of the Holy Cross. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Pennsylvania has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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
University of Pennsylvania graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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
University of Pennsylvania does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. University of Pennsylvania also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Pennsylvania 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 University of Pennsylvania 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 Psychology, while University of Pennsylvania leans toward Health Professions. 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 University of Pennsylvania's $28,699.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $15,715 at University of Pennsylvania.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Pennsylvania's enrollment of 10,650 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania 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.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.
Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.
Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Pennsylvania is featured on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of Holy Cross's student body and 11% of Pennsylvania's.
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 Pennsylvania).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Psychology, Physical Sciences, while University of Pennsylvania concentrates in Health Professions, 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,699 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 88%.
College of the Holy Cross vs University of Pennsylvania: which is better for social mobility?
University of Pennsylvania is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or University of Pennsylvania?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Pennsylvania 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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