Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Holy Cross Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 16
- Virginia-Main Campus Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Virginia-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,565 vs College of the Holy Cross's $38,782, University of Virginia-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Virginia-Main Campus's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Holy Cross
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than University of Virginia
Virginia-Main Campus
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,565, roughly $17,217 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Holy Cross graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Virginia-Main Campus in Social Sciences (13%). 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 College of the Holy Cross over University of Virginia. Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment vs $86,863.
Pick University of Virginia over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $21,565 vs $38,782.
Pick University of Virginia over College of the Holy Cross. 95% 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 Virginia are close on paper, but University of Virginia 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
University of Virginia is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while College of the Holy Cross takes 18%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,480.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Virginia 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 Virginia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,565, about $17,217 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of University of Virginia also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $68,868 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Virginia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, College of the Holy Cross graduates report median earnings of $90,543, compared with $86,863 at University of Virginia. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Virginia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 Virginia graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Virginia to keep costs and debt down; pick College of the Holy Cross for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Virginia saves about $17,217 a year, yet College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $3,680 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. College of the Holy Cross concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Virginia leans toward Computer Science & IT, Humanities. 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 Virginia's $21,565.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $17,500 at University of Virginia.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and University of Virginia is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Virginia's enrollment of 17,597 far exceeds College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Virginia-Main Campus 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) 5 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
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 Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.
After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.
Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Virginia-Main Campus is featured on the Colleges With the Biggest Early Decision Advantage ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of Holy Cross's student body and 13% of Virginia-Main Campus's.
Virginia-Main Campus
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 Virginia-Main Campus).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while University of Virginia concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Humanities, 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 University of Virginia?
University of Virginia is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 18% at College of the Holy Cross.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,565 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or University of Virginia graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,863 at University of Virginia.
Which has a better graduation rate, College of the Holy Cross or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 88%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or University of Virginia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Virginia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose College of the Holy Cross if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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