College of the Holy Cross

School Overview

College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, MA, 01060, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #27 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Getting into College of the Holy Cross is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 18%. Prospective students should present a strong academic profile to be considered. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1240-1410 and ACT scores of 27-32. Applications are due by Jan. 15, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

College of the Holy Cross enrolls 3,127 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 64% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 85%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at College of the Holy Cross include Social Sciences (33% of students, median early-career salary: $118,102), Psychology (13% of students, median early-career salary: $63,311), and Biological and Biomedical Sciences (10% of students, median early-career salary: $79,688). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $68,090 per year. Room and board adds approximately $19,700. However, the average net price after financial aid is $39,310, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $54,138 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with College of the Holy Cross's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. College of the Holy Cross combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether College of the Holy Cross is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.