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Xavier University of Louisiana vs University of Holy Cross: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA · vs · Private nonprofit, New Orleans LA

The verdict

Xavier University of Louisiana has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,508 in 17.9 years versus 65.4 years at University of Holy Cross, on median earnings of $52,184 vs $49,316 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureXavier University of LouisianaUniversity of Holy Cross
Net price / yr$17,127$15,635
Total net cost$68,508$62,540
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,184$49,316
Median debt$24,053$26,995
Payback17.9 yrs65.4 yrs
20-year net return$7,972-$43,420

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

Which is cheaper, Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross?

University of Holy Cross, at $15,635 a year after aid versus $17,127 — a gap of $1,492 a year, or $5,968 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross graduates earn more?

Xavier University of Louisiana graduates report a median $52,184 ten years after entry, $2,868 more than the $49,316 at University of Holy Cross. 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, Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross?

Xavier University of Louisiana: its completers carry a median $24,053 in federal loans versus $26,995 at University of Holy Cross, a difference of $2,942. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at University of Holy Cross, against 49% at Xavier University of Louisiana. 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.

Xavier University of Louisiana vs University of Holy Cross: frequently asked questions

Is Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross a better value?
Xavier University of Louisiana. It clears its $68,508 net cost in about 17.9 years versus 65.4 years at University of Holy Cross, on median earnings of $52,184 vs $49,316 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross?
University of Holy Cross: $15,635/yr net price after aid versus $17,127/yr at Xavier University of Louisiana — a difference of $1,492 a year, or about $5,968 over four years.
Do Xavier University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross graduates earn more?
Xavier University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $52,184 ten years after entry, versus $49,316 at University of Holy Cross — a $2,868 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.