Psychology at College of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross psychology graduates earn substantially more than typical psychology majors nationwide—ranking in the 95th percentile—but lag behind the top Massachusetts programs. That first-year median of $41,099 beats the national benchmark by nearly $10,000, though it trails schools like Bentley ($62,218) and Boston College ($44,760). Within Massachusetts specifically, Holy Cross sits at the 60th percentile, meaning four out of ten Bay State programs produce higher earnings despite Holy Cross's selective 21% admission rate and strong academic profile.

The financial picture improves considerably over time. Earnings jump 37% to reach $56,085 by year four, and the relatively modest $27,000 debt load (below the national median) creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66. This matters because many psychology graduates struggle with debt burdens that exceed their first-year income—a problem Holy Cross avoids.

For parents weighing a premium liberal arts education, Holy Cross delivers solid value compared to psychology programs nationally, but perhaps not compared to other selective Massachusetts schools. If your child is choosing between Holy Cross and a state university, the earnings premium justifies the investment. If they're deciding between Holy Cross and Boston College for psychology specifically, the numbers favor BC. The strong earnings growth suggests Holy Cross's network and credential open doors over time, even if starting salaries don't match the institution's competitive positioning.