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Head-to-head comparison

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

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

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A New Orleans, LA

Tulane University of Louisiana

Net price / year
$39,949
Earnings, 10 years
$63,268
Payback
10.7 yrs

Option B New Orleans, LA

University of Holy Cross

Net price / year
$15,635
Earnings, 10 years
$49,316
Payback
65.4 yrs
The verdict

Tulane University of Louisiana has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $159,796 in 10.7 years versus 65.4 years at University of Holy Cross, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $49,316 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTulane University of LouisianaUniversity of Holy Cross
Net price / yr$39,949$15,635
Total net cost$159,796$62,540
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,268$49,316
Median debt$20,500$26,995
Payback10.7 yrs65.4 yrs
20-year net return$138,364-$43,420

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

The short answer

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

University of Holy Cross, at $15,635 a year after aid versus $39,949 — a gap of $24,314 a year, or $97,256 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

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

Tulane University of Louisiana graduates report a median $63,268 ten years after entry, $13,952 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Tulane University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross?

Tulane University of Louisiana: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $26,995 at University of Holy Cross, a difference of $6,495. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Tulane University of Louisiana, against 49% at University of Holy Cross. 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.

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

Is Tulane University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross a better value?
Tulane University of Louisiana. It clears its $159,796 net cost in about 10.7 years versus 65.4 years at University of Holy Cross, on median earnings of $63,268 vs $49,316 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tulane University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross?
University of Holy Cross: $15,635/yr net price after aid versus $39,949/yr at Tulane University of Louisiana — a difference of $24,314 a year, or about $97,256 over four years.
Do Tulane University of Louisiana or University of Holy Cross graduates earn more?
Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn a median $63,268 ten years after entry, versus $49,316 at University of Holy Cross — a $13,952 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.