Analysis
Similar allied health programs in Louisiana suggest first-year earnings around $39,500, which aligns with the state median but falls short of Northwestern State's $59,000 outcomes for what may be a differently structured curriculum or clinical placement network. With an estimated $27,000 in debt—slightly above Louisiana's typical $26,000 for this field—graduates would face a manageable but not insignificant financial burden in their early career years.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 sits in workable territory, meaning graduates could theoretically allocate about two-thirds of their first year's income to loan repayment if needed. However, the wide range of outcomes across Louisiana's six programs (from $28,000 to $59,000) highlights how much institutional factors—clinical partnerships, alumni networks, location advantages in New Orleans' healthcare market—can matter. University of Holy Cross serves a student body where 28% receive Pell grants, and for these families especially, understanding whether the school's specific connections translate into higher-tier opportunities becomes crucial.
The practical question: Does this program position graduates for the stronger end of Louisiana's allied health spectrum, or the weaker? Without actual outcome data for Holy Cross specifically, families should press the school for employment placement rates, types of positions graduates secure, and which healthcare systems actively recruit from their program before committing to this investment.
Where University of Holy Cross Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Holy CrossNew Orleans | $16,160 | $39,553* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches | $8,864 | $59,186* | $54,753 | $42,605* | 0.72 |
 Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans | $65,538 | $39,553* | $51,792 | $29,937* | 0.76 |
 Nicholls State UniversityThibodaux | $8,173 | $28,062* | $52,159 | $22,336* | 0.80 |
| National Median | — | $35,279* | — | $26,690* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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 University of Holy Cross, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in LA. Actual outcomes may vary.