College of the Holy Cross

Worchester, Massachusetts
4-year Private university

Overview

College of the Holy Cross is a private institution established in 1843 with a suburban setting located in Worcester. It is ranked 27 in National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. It practices a semester-based academic calendar. All freshmen must live on campus and participate in the Montserrat program, which clusters together small groups of first-year students who take the same classes, live in the same themed residence areas, and engage in group activities. About 90 percent of students live on campus. A quarter of students play varsity sports in the NCAA Division I Patriot League. Students can elect to study for a semester in another country, at another school, or in Washington, D.C.As the nation’s only Jesuit institution solely for undergraduates, Holy Cross offers spiritual activities and retreats throughout the school year. The student body is predominantly Catholic, but all faiths are welcome. The College of the Holy Cross is one of 13 schools in the Worcester Consortium. As such, Holy Cross students can take classes at other schools and often receive discounted tickets to events around the city.

#27 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
Setting
Suburban
Location Worchester, Massachusetts
Type 4-year Private
Year Founded 1843
Selectivity Moderate
Size Small
3,233 Undergraduates

Learning

10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Social Sciences
Most Popular Major

Majors Available

  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • English Language And Literature/Letters
  • Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
  • History
  • Mathematics And Statistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Philosophy And Religious Studies
  • Physical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual And Performing Arts

Cost

$76,880
Cost of Attendance
$32,040
Average Student Contribution
Instate Tution Fee $60,850
Outstate Tuition Fee $60,850
Room and Board Fees $17,750
$46,239 Median Salary After 2 years of Graduation

Applying

36% (Moderate Selectivity) Acceptance Rate
Admission Difficulty: Difficult
$60 Application Fee
Application Fee Waiver Available
-- Average High School GPA

Application Requirements

SAT/ACT Optional
SAT/ACT Writing (essay) Not Required
SAT Subject Test Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement Required
SAT Score Range
Middle 50% (25% - 75%) scores range
ACT Score Range
Middle 50% (25% - 75%) scores range

How to Apply?

Accepts CommonApp
Apply College's Own Application Portal

For International Students

100 Minimum TOEFL Score
TOEFL Requirement: Required
IELTS, DET Other English Language Tests Accepted
(in lieu of TOEFL)
Deadlines for Fall Intake Applications
Nov
15
Early Decision Deadline
Jan
15
Early Decision II Deadline
Jan
15
Regular Decision Deadline
Transfer Applications
Apr
01
Transfer Applications Deadline
For Financial Aid
--
--
Financial Aid Priority Application Deadline
Jan
15
Financial Aid Application Deadline

Scholarships and Financial Aid

$ Average Financial Aid
Need-based Aid available for International Students

Need-based Aid

$48,673 Average Need-based Aid
Cost of Attendance for out-of-state students: $76,880
47% Students with need received Financial Aid
100% Students had their need fully met
Deadline for need-based financial application January 15
Forms to be submitted FAFSA, CSS

Merit Scholarships

Available
Ellis Scholarship
Total Worth Full tuition
Eligibility high school senior who is a resident of Worcester
Minimum Criteria Based on academic excellence
Requirement for maintenance --
Separate application needed --
Application deadline January 15

Other Scholarships

Holy Cross Scholarships
Total Worth range from $2,500 to more than $60,000
Details Eligibility for Holy Cross Scholarship funding is determined based on financial need as demonstrated through the financial aid application process. Students must reapply each year for Holy Cross Scholarship funding. A complete application and continued demonstrated financial need are required for renewal of this award.

Students

3,233 Total Undergraduate Enrollment
School Size: Small
95% Freshmen return to Sophomore Year
89% Students graduate within 6 years