Worcester State University vs College of the Holy Cross: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Worcester State University | College 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 |
| Payback | 4.4 yrs | 3.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $191,756 | $688,532 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross?
Worcester State University, at $13,381 a year after aid versus $38,782 — a gap of $25,401 a year, or $101,604 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates report a median $90,543 ten years after entry, $29,919 more than the $60,624 at Worcester State 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, Worcester State University or College of the Holy Cross?
Worcester State University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at College of the Holy Cross, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
87% of students finish at College of the Holy Cross, against 61% at Worcester State 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.