Bethel University vs Holy Cross College: which has better ROI?
Holy Cross College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,912 in 52 years versus 148.9 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $50,416 vs $48,860 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bethel University | Holy Cross College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,610 | $26,728 |
| Total net cost | $74,440 | $106,912 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,860 | $50,416 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 148.9 yrs | 52 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$64,440 | -$65,792 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or Holy Cross College?
Bethel University, at $18,610 a year after aid versus $26,728 — a gap of $8,118 a year, or $32,472 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bethel University or Holy Cross College graduates earn more?
Holy Cross College graduates report a median $50,416 ten years after entry, $1,556 more than the $48,860 at Bethel University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Bethel University or Holy Cross College?
Holy Cross College: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Bethel University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at Holy Cross College, against 53% at Bethel University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.