Biology at College of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross biology graduates start modestly at $43,276 but see their earnings jump 56% to $67,624 by year four—strong growth that places them in the 95th percentile nationally. However, context matters: among Massachusetts biology programs, this lands squarely at the 60th percentile, meaning more than half of comparable in-state programs deliver similar or better first-year outcomes. Schools like Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) and UMass Lowell ($46,526) show stronger initial earnings, which matters when you're carrying debt.

The $27,000 debt load is reasonable—matching both state and national medians—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests graduates can manage repayment. That impressive earnings trajectory indicates Holy Cross biology majors are gaining valuable skills or credentials (likely through graduate school or professional programs) that pay off over time. The selective admissions (21% acceptance rate, 1354 SAT average) suggest strong institutional reputation may be opening doors.

For families paying a premium Holy Cross tuition, the question becomes whether that four-year earnings growth justifies a slower start compared to other Massachusetts options. If your child plans to pursue medical school, graduate work, or research positions where Holy Cross's network and reputation matter, the investment makes sense. But if they need strong immediate earnings to manage debt independently, several in-state alternatives deliver more out of the gate.