University of Holy Cross logo

University of Holy Cross

New Orleans, LA Private ยท Urban uhcno.edu
Accept Rate
99.01%
Grad Rate
36.2%
Enrollment
405
Avg SAT
1060
Tuition
$16,160
Median Salary
$49,316
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of Holy Cross feels like a tight-knit, family-oriented community where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The small class sizes and Sisters of the Holy Cross foundation create a supportive, personalized atmosphere that encourages growth and service.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.01%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1060

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 19

Admissions Tips

With a 99% acceptance rate, UHC is accessible, but you should still submit a thoughtful personal statement that highlights your interest in service and community, values that align with the school's mission. Since the enrollment is tiny (around 400 students), expressing genuine interest through an interview or campus visit can significantly impact your application and potential scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1060
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The academic environment is built around practical, career-focused learning, with notable strengths in Health Professions, Education, and Business. Teaching quality is high due to small student-to-faculty ratios, and students often gain real-world experience through local clinicals, internships, and community-based projects.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
61.1%
Education
14.7%
Business & Marketing
8.4%
Psychology
4.2%
Biology & Biomedical
3.2%
Agriculture
3.2%
Culinary & Personal Services
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

36.2%
Graduation Rate
69%
Retention Rate
405
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$16,160
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,780
After financial aid
Total Cost
$28,380
Cost of attendance/year
28.4%
Receive Pell Grants
35.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Orleans

Living in New Orleans means your weekends are filled with live music, parades, incredible food, and exploring unique neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District. Students at UHC often embrace the local culture by volunteering in the community, attending festivals, and enjoying the city's vibrant arts scene, all while maintaining a focused academic life on a quiet campus.

Local Rent Check

$1,149 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Orleans
Explore New Orleans

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$64,640
$0Est. 4 Years: $64,640

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($49,316):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is located in a historic, residential neighborhood and maintains a secure environment with campus security presence. Students should remain aware of their surroundings, as is wise in any urban setting, but the immediate area is generally considered safe for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely high acceptance rate (99%) makes it highly accessible.
  • โœ“ Small, intimate class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ Affordable private university tuition with no price difference for in-state vs. out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Prime location in New Orleans offers unique cultural and internship opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate (36.2%) and retention rate (69.0%) suggest potential challenges with student support or persistence.
  • โœ— Very small enrollment (405 students) means a limited social scene and fewer campus clubs/organizations compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— Limited national name recognition could be a factor for graduates seeking jobs outside of Louisiana.

Notable Alumni

Sister M. Elaina, O.P.
A prominent educator and leader in the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, known for her work in Catholic education.
Dr. John J. Oechsle
A respected leader in higher education administration who has served in key roles at various institutions.
Sister Lorna Zemke, S.S.S.F.
An influential figure in religious life and education, dedicated to the mission of service and faith-based learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Holy Cross is a private Catholic university known for its strong programs in Health Professions (including Nursing), Education, and Business. Its small, intimate setting is rooted in the values of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, emphasizing service, community, and personalized student development.

No, University of Holy Cross is not hard to get into, with a very high acceptance rate of 99.01%. This indicates an open-access admissions policy, making it an accessible option for a wide range of students. While grades and test scores are considered, the focus is often on a student's potential and fit with the university's mission.

Campus life is quiet, close-knit, and community-focused due to the very small enrollment of around 400 students. Students often describe it as a family-like atmosphere where everyone knows each other. While social activities are primarily campus-based, students also take advantage of the endless entertainment and cultural options in nearby New Orleans.

For students seeking an affordable private education with a supportive environment, University of Holy Cross can be a worthwhile investment. With a net price comparable to public universities and a 10-year median earnings figure of $49,316, the ROI is reasonable, particularly for in-demand fields like nursing and allied health where graduates can find stable employment in the New Orleans area.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Ochsner Health System Tulane Medical Center LCMC Health Orleans Parish School Board Entergy
Smart Start Score
49

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 954
  • In-State Tuition $16,160
  • Zip Code 70131

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 18.3% โ™€ 81.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $16,780 and identical in-state and out-of-state tuition of $16,160, UHC offers a clear and affordable financial value proposition. The 10-year median earnings of $49,316 provide a solid return on investment, especially for a private university education that is priced competitively with many public institutions.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $16,160
Housing (12 mo) $13,788
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $37,148
With avg financial aid:
$16,780/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.