Chemistry at College of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross chemistry graduates start at $47,313—better than 82% of chemistry programs nationally but middling for Massachusetts, where they match the state median exactly. The four-year trajectory to $61,540 is healthy (30% growth), though still trails programs like Northeastern and Bridgewater State that place graduates in higher-paying markets or industries. The $27,000 debt load, while precisely matching the state median, translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, meaning graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary.

The real question is whether Holy Cross's premium positioning (21% admission rate, strong academics) translates to career advantage for chemistry majors specifically. The answer appears to be: somewhat, but not dramatically. You're paying for the Holy Cross brand and liberal arts experience, which clearly delivers above-average outcomes nationally. However, within Massachusetts—where many graduates will compete for jobs—this program doesn't command a premium over less selective state universities.

For families comfortable with the overall cost of Holy Cross and valuing its broader educational environment, the chemistry program performs solidly enough not to be a concern. But if you're specifically targeting chemistry career outcomes, understand that you may achieve comparable results at lower total cost elsewhere in Massachusetts.