Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
Brookline, Massachusetts · Private Nonprofit · 79.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 39/100 · Poor Value
Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology scores 39 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale, with a data completeness rating of 0.80 indicating that some key metrics are estimated or unavailable. This is a small, specialized institution in Brookline, Massachusetts with only 64 enrolled students. Its mission is the formation of clergy, lay leaders, and scholars within the Greek Orthodox Christian tradition. Median 10-year earnings are $51,724 (six-year data is unavailable), and the payback period is 14.4 years. The completion rate of 44.4% is the most significant concern: fewer than half of enrolled students complete a degree, which may reflect the institution's unique population -- students who enter discernment about religious vocation and may leave without completing a degree for reasons unrelated to academic failure. Net price of $25,203 is high relative to the institution's size and the earnings outcomes the data shows. The debt-to-earnings ratio and repayment rate are imputed (estimated) due to limited data. This institution is not primarily evaluated on financial ROI metrics by its intended audience, but families considering it should understand the financial picture clearly.
The data raises concerns about Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score39/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $22,490/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,490/yr |
| Average net price | $25,203/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $100,812 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,724 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | N/A |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 14.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 44.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 64 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is $22,490/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $25,203/year, or roughly $100,812 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $24,953/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $29,993/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,724 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is N/A - (insufficient data to assess).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,953 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,521 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | N/A |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $29,993 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $24,953 net per year at Hellenic College -- close to the average net price and surprisingly high for the lowest income group, suggesting limited need-based aid reach at this income level. Four-year costs approaching $100,000 for low-income families represent a significant financial commitment. The 44.4% completion rate means roughly half of enrolled students will not finish, incurring debt without a credential. Low-income students considering Hellenic College should speak candidly with financial aid about the full expected cost and explore scholarship availability from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30001-48000 bracket pays $21,521 -- lower than the lowest bracket, suggesting some aid compression for this range. Net price data for the 48001-75000 and 75001-110000 brackets is unavailable, requiring direct inquiry. Families in the middle-income range should assume net prices comparable to the institutional average ($25,203) until they receive a specific aid estimate. The 14.4-year payback period reflects the reality that most graduates enter clergy, education, or religious service vocations with moderate earnings.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000 or more pay $29,993 net per year, the highest in the published schedule. The financial investment at this level is substantial relative to the mission-centered outcomes typical graduates pursue. High-income families choosing Hellenic College are doing so for the institution's unique Orthodox formation mission, not for earnings optimization. That is a legitimate and considered choice -- but it should be made with full awareness of the cost structure.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | N/A | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | N/A | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 56.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | N/A | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 79.6% |
| Enrollment | 64 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 24.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,542 |
At 79.6%, Hellenic College is broadly accessible for qualified applicants, though the institution's admission conversation is fundamentally about fit with the Orthodox Christian mission rather than academic selectivity. No test score data is available. Net price of $25,203 per year with limited data on the upper-income brackets requires direct consultation with the institution's financial aid office. The 44.4% completion rate warrants direct inquiry about typical student pathways -- what proportion of students leave for ordination or discernment versus academic reasons is important context.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Hellenic College's Scorecard peers include American International College, Amherst College, International Baptist College and Seminary, Hobe Sound Bible College, and American Baptist College. This peer group reflects the Scorecard algorithm's limitations in identifying genuine mission-based comparators. The most relevant comparison is other Orthodox Christian or denominational seminary-colleges, where the primary value is formation rather than earnings premium. Families comparing Hellenic College against these options should prioritize fit with the specific theological tradition, faculty caliber in Orthodox studies, and the quality of clergy formation programs rather than the CampusROI score.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (this school) | 39 | $25,203 | $51,724 |
| Amherst College | 90 | $23,367 | $77,644 |
| Hobe Sound Bible College | 40 | $12,074 | $39,863 |
| American International College | 38 | $23,274 | $53,124 |
| International Baptist College and Seminary | 37 | $14,660 | $39,556 |
| American Baptist College | 32 | $9,216 | $41,216 |
Who Thrives Here
Hellenic College admits 79.6% of applicants with no published test score ranges. Enrollment of 64 students is extremely small -- this is effectively a seminary with an undergraduate college component. The Pell rate of 24.2% indicates moderate financial need. The institution serves Greek Orthodox families and those called to Orthodox Christian ministry, clergy formation, and theology. Students who are not embedded in the Greek Orthodox community or not pursuing a faith vocation will find limited fit here. The Brookline location near Boston does not compensate for the institutional specificity from a labor market perspective.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. With a net cost of $25,203 per year and median graduate earnings of only $51,724 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 14.4 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 44.4% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,500 against $51,724 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.