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 & Schenectady, NY
When students choose between College of the Holy Cross and Union College, they're comparing two prestigious Northeast liberal arts colleges with remarkably similar financial profiles. Both charge around $37,000/year in net price and produce graduates earning nearly identical salaries.
The key difference lies in academic emphasis: Holy Cross leans heavily into liberal arts, while Union offers a notable engineering component alongside traditional liberal arts programs.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$25,337
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$39,032
borrowed by parents
$57,000
borrowed by parents
Holy Cross is predominantly Social Sciences-focused, with 31% of graduates earning degrees in fields like Economics (112 graduates), Political Science (111), and Psychology (110). Union has a more balanced approach: 26% Social Sciences, 15% Engineering.
Union's largest programs include Economics (78 graduates), Political Science (46), and Mechanical Engineering (45). This engineering presence at Union provides a technical pathway that Holy Cross doesn't match, though both schools excel in economics and political science preparation.
For students seeking strong liberal arts preparation with excellent career outcomes, both Holy Cross and Union deliver comparable financial value at similar costs. Holy Cross offers the edge for students focused purely on liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities, with slightly higher graduation rates and earnings.
Union provides the better choice for students wanting engineering options alongside liberal arts, despite higher family debt burdens. The data shows no clear financial winner — the right choice depends on your academic interests, with Holy Cross for traditional liberal arts and Union for liberal arts plus technical programs.
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.
