College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA, USA
Private
4 Year

Overview

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.

Acceptance Rate:
36%
Average Net Price:
$37,292
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average ACT Composite
32
Average SAT Composite
1328

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability & Cost

Average Net Price
$37,292
Calculate your net cost
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:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$17,750
Books and Supplies
$1000
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$9,920
$30k - $48k
$8,438
$48k - $75k
$14,574
$75k - $110k
$26,423
$110k+
$43,935
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

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.
16%
Average Aid Per Year
$39,615
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 Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,757
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$37,282

 

Students receiving state aid
8%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3498
Students receiving federal aid
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,757
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$56,638
$30k - $48k
$63,396
$48k - $75k
$56,752
$75k - $110k
$40,491
$110k+
$19,641
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$54,021,160
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$12,277,042

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
Students receiving federal loans
45%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,093
Average Other Loans Per Year
$2,364

 

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
0
100
36%
Acceptance Rate
7036
Students Applied
44%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
18
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
SAT is not checked
No
ACT
ACT is not checked
No
Transcript
Transcript is checked
Yes
Test Optional
Item is checked
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Item is checked
Yes
AP Course Credit
Item is checked
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Item is checked
Yes

Important Deadlines

Application TypeApplication DeadlineReply Deadline
Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted.November 15
Fall Regular DecisionJanuary 15May 1
Application Fee
$60
Fee waivers available
Applications Accepted
Common Application
Common Application
Coalition Application
Coalition Application

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
35%
Out-Of-State Students
60%
19%
Submitting ACT
35%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 32
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1328
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
620
75th
710
Reading
25th
640
75th
720
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
38
Top 25%
69
Top 50%
94

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 800-442-2421
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page

Academics

Key Academic Stats

Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
3,083
Total Number of Undergrads
3,083
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: 21:1
Academic Calendar

Semester

Non Traditional Learning
  • Summer Sessions
  • Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
Learning Options
  • Study Abroad
  • Honors Program
  • Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes

2-19 Students
58%
20-39 Students
39%
40-99 Students
1%
 

Degrees and Majors

MAJORS
55

Faculty Overview

0
100
95%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Male
Female
Ethnicity

African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
White
Hispanic
Multi-Racial
Unknown

Campus Life

Key Campus Stats

Student Gender
Male
Female
45%
55%
Residency
In-State Students
35%
Out-Of-State Students
60%
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
47
Countries Represented
22
Ethnicity
African American
4%
Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
Hispanic
12%
White
71%
Multiracial
3%
Unknown
3%
Percent of First Generation Students
16%
Student Organizations
108
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Item is not checked
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Item is checked
Yes

Housing

0
100
87%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
87%
Freshman Living on Campus

Athletics

Divisional Sports Nickname
Crusaders
School Colors
purple and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Patriot League
Total Male Athletes
373
Total Female Athletes
294
Intramural Sports
3
Sports Club
16
Sports Team (Men)
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Crew-Rowing
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
Sports Team (Women)
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Crew-Rowing
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball
College of the Holy Cross Athletics: visit page

Campus Safety

24-HR security patrol
24-HR security patrol is checked
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Campus emergency phones is checked
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Item is checked
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Item is not checked
No

After Graduation

Post Grad Stats

Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$84,653
Top 5 Cities
Boston
New York
Washington
Chicago
Hartford
Top 5 Employers
Massachusetts General Hospital
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
College of the Holy Cross
Ernst & Young
Fidelity Investments
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Finance
Sales
Legal
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
Loan Default Rate
1%
National: 8%
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
The academics at Holy Cross seem intense, and the students here study more than at most other colleges. With a Princeton Review academic rating of 98, only five other colleges and university's place above it. More than just pure academics, Holy Cross seems to be a place where you will learn a lot about life. Their Jesuit ideals of men and women for others hold true, and most of the students are dedicated to community service and giving back to society. The college also has an over-the-top Pre-Medical program, getting 87% into medical school, and is one of the only schools with a faculty medical committee. One thing to note is that the Pre-Med program is not open to everyone, and you have to apply for it specifically during admissions.
Kaylie from Ashburnham, MA
The professors I have met seem to be genuinely interested in their fields, and are willing to help. It seems like a strong school academically.
Monique from Essex, MA
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
All Professors either have their or in the process of obtaining their Doctoral Degree so, you know that you are taught by the best. All the material at times may be overwhelming but in the end you are surprised by how much and how in depth you know a given subject.
K. Hazard from Leominster, MA
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