Students at the University of Holy Cross benefit from earnings that exceed expectations, with graduates earning significantly more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's focus on healthcare programs, particularly nursing, creates clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers in Louisiana's growing healthcare sector.
The University of Holy Cross is a small private nonprofit institution in New Orleans that serves students seeking personalized education in a close-knit academic community. With nearly half of students being first-generation college attendees and about 28% receiving Pell Grants, the university provides access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. The institution's compact size creates an environment where students receive individual attention and support throughout their academic journey.
What distinguishes Holy Cross is its focus on practical, career-oriented programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields. Graduates earn a median of $49,316 ten years after enrollment, with the university's nursing program serving as a standout pathway to stable, well-paying careers. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates about 34 students annually who earn around $63,880 early in their careers, demonstrating the institution's ability to prepare students for in-demand healthcare roles.
As a small private college in Louisiana, Holy Cross offers the benefits of personalized education and strong faculty-student relationships. The university's commitment to supporting first-generation students, combined with its healthcare program strengths, makes it a solid choice for students who thrive in smaller academic environments and seek direct pathways to professional careers.
The University of Holy Cross maintains a focused program portfolio centered on healthcare and professional preparation. The Adult Health Nursing program serves as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 34 students annually who earn approximately $63,880 in their early careers. This program represents both the largest enrollment and the strongest financial outcomes at the university, demonstrating Holy Cross's strategic concentration in healthcare education.
The nursing program's success reflects the university's ability to prepare students for Louisiana's robust healthcare job market. With consistent demand for qualified nurses and competitive starting salaries, graduates enter a field that offers both job security and growth potential. The program's substantial enrollment relative to the university's small size indicates strong student interest and employer demand for Holy Cross nursing graduates.
While the university's program offerings are more limited than larger institutions, this focused approach allows for specialized attention and resources dedicated to healthcare education. The concentration in nursing and related health fields creates a clear institutional identity and ensures that faculty, clinical partnerships, and career services are aligned to support student success in these high-demand professional areas.
Graduates of the University of Holy Cross achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with a median earning of $49,316 ten years after enrollment. The university performs around the national average for earnings, placing it in the 48th percentile among similar institutions. What makes Holy Cross particularly noteworthy is that graduates earn about $8,556 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes beyond what might be expected based on student characteristics alone.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its healthcare programs, particularly nursing. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the largest program by enrollment and the highest-earning field, graduating 34 students annually who earn approximately $63,880 in their early careers. This program represents the university's primary economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with strong pay outcomes that significantly exceed the institutional median. The concentration in healthcare reflects Holy Cross's strategic focus on preparing students for stable, in-demand careers in Louisiana's growing healthcare sector.
While the university's overall program portfolio is more limited than larger institutions, the focus on healthcare and professional preparation creates clear pathways to employment. The nursing program's success demonstrates how specialized, career-focused education can deliver strong returns even at a smaller institution, providing graduates with both job security and competitive earnings in the healthcare field.
Affordability at the University of Holy Cross varies significantly by family income, with the university offering particularly strong value for middle-income families. Middle-income students pay about $13,949 annually, which represents excellent value for a private institution and places the university well below typical private college costs. Low-income students face higher net prices at around $16,852 per year, while high-income families pay approximately $16,177 annually, creating an unusual pricing structure where middle-income families receive the most favorable treatment.
Debt levels at Holy Cross are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of about $26,995 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $11,000. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations after graduation. This strong repayment performance reflects both the career-focused nature of the university's programs and the solid earning potential of graduates, particularly those in healthcare fields.
The combination of moderate debt levels and stable career outcomes creates a sustainable financial picture for most Holy Cross graduates. With median earnings of $49,316 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building their careers. The university's focus on practical, employment-oriented programs helps ensure that students can translate their education into steady income streams that support debt repayment and long-term financial stability.
University Of Holy Cross Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
