Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Online | holycross.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, approximately 45 miles west of Boston, the College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts institution situated on a hillside campus known for its Gothic Revival architecture. Founded in 1843, Holy Cross maintains its position as one of the oldest Catholic colleges in New England and operates as a highly selective undergraduate-only institution. The college offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum with notable strengths in classics, economics, political science, and pre-medical studies, while requiring all students to live on campus for their entire undergraduate career. The campus spans 174 acres featuring traditional stone buildings and modern academic facilities, with its hilltop location offering views of the Worcester skyline. Holy Cross competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Crusaders, primarily through the Patriot League conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Holy Cross is rated within the top 17% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for College of the Holy Cross within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#81 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#74 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#10 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#143 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1250/1420 |
| ACT | 28/32 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $800 |
| Room and Board | $17,750 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $900 |
| Total One Year Cost | $80,500 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 33% |
| Psychology | 11% |
| English and Literature | 11% |
| Foreign Languages | 9% |
| History | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Holy Cross are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=166124 IPEDS survey data for College of the Holy Cross.
Current students may use the College of the Holy Cross GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025