Degree Dividend
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Worcester State University vs College of the Holy Cross: which has better ROI?

Public, Worcester MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Worcester MA

The verdict

College of the Holy Cross has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $155,128 in 3.7 years versus 4.4 years at Worcester State University, on median earnings of $90,543 vs $60,624 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWorcester State UniversityCollege of the Holy Cross
Net price / yr$13,381$38,782
Total net cost$53,524$155,128
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,624$90,543
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback4.4 yrs3.7 yrs
20-year net return$191,756$688,532

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Worcester State University vs College of the Holy Cross: frequently asked questions

Is Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross a better value?
College of the Holy Cross. It clears its $155,128 net cost in about 3.7 years versus 4.4 years at Worcester State University, on median earnings of $90,543 vs $60,624 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross?
Worcester State University: $13,381/yr net price after aid versus $38,782/yr at College of the Holy Cross — a difference of $25,401 a year, or about $101,604 over four years.
Do Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn a median $90,543 ten years after entry, versus $60,624 at Worcester State University — a $29,919 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.