College of the Holy Cross
Founded by Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross is a liberal arts college in Worcester and the oldest Roman Catholic school in New England. Holy Cross confers bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic fields of study and is also home to 10 student-designed majors. As a Jesuit institution, Holy Cross schedules Catholic masses every day of the school year and sponsors regular retreats including an LGBTQ Retreat. The college also encourages students to get involved in the surrounding area through its Student Programs for Urban Development community service organization.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Roman Catholic
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 15 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
19%
Submitting ACT
35%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 32
Average SAT Composite: 1328
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
3,083
Total Number of Undergrads
3,083
Classroom Sizes
0
100
90%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
93%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
10:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $60,850 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $60,850 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,750 |
| Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Aid Per Year
$39,615
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,757
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$37,282
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
45%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$5,896
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$27,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$270
Majors
Majors Overview
Majors
55
Most Popular Majors
- English language and literature, general
- Psychology, general
- Economics, general
- Political science and government, general
- History, general
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
108
Size of Town
Small city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
87%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Crusaders
School Colors
purple and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Patriot League
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Boston
New York
Washington
Chicago
Hartford
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
58%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$84,653
What Students Are Saying
I applied to the Ivy League like any other hopeful high school grad, but I couldn't be happier at Holy Cross. The academics are rigorous and rewarding and as a small, private college the professors are there to help you and make an effort to know you're name; you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The intimate classes have an excellent learning atmosphere and the overall feel of the college is both gorgeous and alive with constant Happenings on the Hill and endless opportunities for both the social butterfly and the academic bookworm.
Student from MA
Holy Cross is truly an academically rigorous liberal arts school that was ranked by Forbes #27 in best colleges and universities in 2011 and #41 in 2012. Our motto at Holy Cross is men and women for others because all students strive to help people through community service. Also you will have lasting lifelong friendships among your classmates because the students are so fun, kind, and friendly.
Kody from Mount Arlington, NJ
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Holy Cross is a welcoming community based of Jesuit values. The students are engaged in their classes as well as the outside community and are always working to become more well-rounded and worldly people. Although small, the college is a setting that fosters growth in every aspect of a student's life.
Hunter from Oro Valley, AZ
Holy Cross in my eyes is one of the best schools in the country. It isn't called a small Ivy or known as a Catholic Ivy for no reason. I've never heard of anyone regretting going to Holy Cross or wishing they went to another school, you can't go wrong with Holy Cross.
Cassandra, from MA
Holy Cross provides students with an amazing Jesuit liberal arts education. With their focus on the whole person, I have been able to explore my interests both in the classroom and outside. The support from faculty, staff, professors and friends is something I will never forget from my time here on the Hill.
A Current Junior
Attending Holy Cross is perfect for someone who does not like huge crowds of people or rowdy events. Holy Cross offers great programs, excellent professors and fun weekend events. Getting around campus is a good workout too, with the hills!
J from upstate NY
I love Holy Cross. I've only been at the school for a little over a month, but I already bleed purple! It's safe to say, I'm a little obsessed.
Meghan
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