Accounting at University of Holy Cross

Louisiana's accounting graduates earn far less than the national median of $53,694, and University of Holy Cross appears positioned right at the state's typical outcome of around $46,458. That's nearly $10,000 below LSU's graduates and trails even regional public universities by a notable margin. For parents weighing this program, the key consideration is whether Holy Cross's smaller class sizes and personalized attention justify earning outcomes that lag behind larger state schools.

The estimated debt of $26,588 sits slightly above the state's typical $22,620 for accounting programs, though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 remains manageable by most standards. Based on comparable programs, this means roughly six months of gross first-year salary would cover the full debt load—not alarming, but not particularly advantageous either when nearby public universities deliver similar ratios with higher starting salaries. The 99% admission rate suggests Holy Cross prioritizes access, which serves students who might not gain entry elsewhere, though this openness doesn't appear to translate into premium career outcomes.

The bottom line: If your child values a close-knit Catholic institution and doesn't qualify for Louisiana's stronger public accounting programs, Holy Cross could work financially. But parents should recognize they're likely paying slightly more for outcomes that peer programs in Louisiana deliver at lower cost. Before committing, confirm whether Holy Cross's career services and CPA exam support justify the premium over schools like Southeastern Louisiana or UL Monroe.