Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Worcester, MA & Riverdale, NY
When students choose between College of the Holy Cross and Manhattan College, they're comparing two Catholic institutions with different missions and markets. Holy Cross operates as a highly selective liberal arts college serving predominantly affluent families, while Manhattan College provides broader access to engineering and business education.
Both deliver strong career outcomes, but the path to get there looks very different. The question becomes: which institutional culture and price point fits your family's circumstances?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$26,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$39,032
borrowed by parents
$56,630
borrowed by parents
Holy Cross is predominantly social sciences-focused, with 31% of graduates earning degrees in fields like economics, political science, and psychology. The largest programs include Economics (112 graduates), Political Science (111), and Psychology (110).
Manhattan College emphasizes engineering, with 30% of graduates in engineering fields and 24% in business. Top programs include Civil Engineering (105 graduates), Mechanical Engineering (75), and Marketing (58).
This program composition explains the different career trajectories and student populations each institution attracts.
For students seeking a highly selective liberal arts experience and whose families can manage the premium, Holy Cross delivers slightly higher earnings and exceptional graduation rates. Manhattan College offers the better choice for students prioritizing engineering or business programs, broader economic accessibility, and strong institutional effectiveness.
The data shows both schools produce comparable career outcomes, but Manhattan achieves this while serving a more economically diverse population — a sign of institutional strength. The right choice depends on your academic interests, family financial capacity, and preference for institutional culture rather than pure financial returns.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
