Economics at College of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross economics graduates start at nearly $70,000—34% above the national median for the degree and 21% above Massachusetts schools. While the program trails elite competitors like Harvard and Amherst, it sits firmly in the state's top tier, ahead of Tufts and Williams in first-year outcomes. The ranking in the 60th percentile among Massachusetts economics programs is actually impressive given the concentration of prestigious institutions in the state.

The financial picture is unusually clean. At $27,000 in median debt—just slightly above the national median but less than many peer institutions—graduates face a debt burden that's only 0.39 times their starting salary. That's a manageable ratio that most families would consider reasonable. Strong 39% earnings growth to nearly $96,500 by year four suggests Holy Cross's liberal arts network and brand continue to open doors as graduates establish their careers.

For families willing to invest in a selective liberal arts education (21% admission rate, average SAT above 1350), this represents solid economic value. You're not paying Harvard tuition but getting outcomes that compete respectably with far more famous names. The economics program appears to be a strength at Holy Cross, delivering both strong starting salaries and continued career momentum with debt levels that won't anchor graduates for years.