College of the Holy Cross
The Vibe Check
College of the Holy Cross has a tight-knit, spirited Jesuit community that feels both intellectually serious and deeply supportive. The hilltop campus is filled with red brick and tradition, where students are known for being engaged, collaborative, and fiercely proud of their school. It feels like a place where you’re challenged to grow but never left to struggle alone.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Holy Cross is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts core with particular strengths in social sciences, psychology, and English. The college emphasizes close faculty mentorship, with professors who are dedicated teachers first and who actively involve students in research from their first year.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Worcester
Worcester is a mid-sized city with a growing food scene, coffee shops, and venues like the DCU Center for concerts and sports. Students explore Green Hill Park, catch Polar Park baseball games, and take advantage of the city’s many colleges for a vibrant social scene, all while being a manageable T-ride from Boston.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($90,543):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located on a hill in a residential neighborhood and is considered very safe with its own dedicated campus police. The city of Worcester has standard urban precautions, but the area surrounding Holy Cross is well-lit and populated by students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional 90.3% graduation rate and 93% retention rate, showing strong student satisfaction and support.
- ✓ Dedicated, accessible faculty who prioritize undergraduate teaching and mentorship.
- ✓ Strong, loyal alumni network in business, law, and education.
- ✓ Prime location in a mid-sized city with amenities, yet retains a classic, close-knit campus feel.
Cons
- ✗ Very high tuition price, even with substantial aid available.
- ✗ Worcester winters can be long and harsh.
- ✗ As a smaller liberal arts college, it offers fewer pre-professional and engineering programs compared to larger universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
College of the Holy Cross is a premier Jesuit liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It is also renowned for its strong sense of community, commitment to service ('men and women for others'), and its storied basketball program, 'The Crusaders,' which has a passionate following.
Yes, Holy Cross is highly selective with an acceptance rate of 21.1%. Admitted students typically have strong academic records, with an average SAT score of 1354. While test-optional, a competitive application requires excellent grades, compelling essays, and evidence of leadership and community engagement.
Campus life at Holy Cross is a vibrant mix of spirited tradition and close community. Students are deeply involved in Division I athletics, a cappella groups, and service organizations, all centered on a residential campus that fosters strong interpersonal connections. The Jesuit values shape a culture of intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.
For many students, the high tuition is offset by generous financial aid and the exceptional long-term value of the degree. With a 90.3% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $90,543, Holy Cross graduates are well-positioned for success, making the investment worthwhile for those seeking a top-tier liberal arts education.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1843
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 3,310
- In-State Tuition $60,850
- Zip Code 01610
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a high sticker price but a strong 10-year median earnings of over $90,000, the degree offers a solid return on investment for a liberal arts college. The average net price of $36,868 is significantly lower than the tuition, indicating robust financial aid, making it a valuable investment for students who graduate.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.