Computer Science at College of the Holy Cross
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Holy Cross's computer science program lands in an awkward middle ground for Massachusetts: graduates earn $74,842 in their first year—above the national median but significantly below the state's $86,060 median. That 40th percentile state ranking is striking given Holy Cross's selective admissions (21% acceptance rate, 1354 SAT average). In Massachusetts, where MIT and Harvard dominate the tech recruiting landscape, Holy Cross grads are competing against students from schools like Tufts ($106K) and even UMass locations that may offer stronger industry connections.
The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, and the 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable payments. But the real question is opportunity cost: families paying liberal arts college tuition are getting outcomes closer to regional state schools than to peer institutions. The sample size here is small—fewer than 30 graduates—which could mean the program is still finding its footing or simply doesn't attract many majors.
For families choosing Holy Cross for its academic reputation and campus experience, this won't be a financial disaster. But if computer science is the priority, Massachusetts offers dozens of programs with stronger earning outcomes at various price points. At minimum, compare carefully against other options before committing.
Where College of the Holy Cross Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How College of the Holy Cross graduates compare to all programs nationally
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 60th percentile of all computer science bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Holy Cross | $74,842 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $154,492 | $199,774 | $12,000 | 0.08 |
| Harvard University | $152,251 | $256,539 | — | — |
| Williams College | $110,814 | $119,517 | $12,208 | 0.11 |
| Tufts University | $105,659 | $139,886 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
| Amherst College | $100,596 | — | $16,750 | 0.17 |
| National Median | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Other Computer Science Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge | $60,156 | $154,492 | $12,000 |
| Harvard University Cambridge | $59,076 | $152,251 | — |
| Williams College Williamstown | $64,860 | $110,814 | $12,208 |
| Tufts University Medford | $67,844 | $105,659 | $15,500 |
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $100,596 | $16,750 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of the Holy Cross, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.