College of the Holy Cross
About College of the Holy Cross
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest Catholic colleges in New England, with strong programs in economics, political science, and psychology, and graduates earning a median of over $90,000.
Founded
1843
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Students
3,106
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
17.6%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
87.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$64,500
Per year
Avg Net Price
$38,782
After financial aid
SAT Average
1353
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$90,543
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 6 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 15
College of the Holy Cross admits about 17.6% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1353. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1353/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
87.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.8%
4-Year Grad
90%
6-Year Grad
93%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
89.3%
$/Student
$24.9K
Class Size
Small
90% of students graduate on time, and with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$64,500
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,820
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$80,334
After Financial Aid
$38,782
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,343
Receive Grants
14.8%
Take Loans
37.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $80,334/yr, including $18,820 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $38,782.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at College of the Holy Cross fund their education.
While in School
14.8%
Get Grants
Free money
37.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$106,778
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $91K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends College of the Holy Cross.
Gender
54%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,106
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
16.6%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 16.6% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
3,106
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
College of the Holy Cross fields 14 varsity teams with 827 student athletes, about 27% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Patriot League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
827
27% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
453
Men
374
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of College of the Holy Crossearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$90,543
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$69K
130 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$47K
129 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$41K
125 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature, General
$43K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$37K
52 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$43K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $70K six years out, climb to $66K by year eight, and reach $91K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about College of the Holy Cross
What is the acceptance rate at College of the Holy Cross?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.