About College of the Holy Cross
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price reaches $79,600, most students pay far less after generous aid packages. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,900 annually, and even those making $75,000-$110,000 pay only $29,535. Graduates earn a median of $90,543 ten years after graduation, with typical debt loads of $27,000. The 86.92% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can comfortably manage their monthly payments of $286.
Nearly all students live on campus in a tight-knit community where 697 athletes compete across 23 Division I sports. The 93.02% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, while the 90.33% four-year graduation rate demonstrates academic rigor combined with strong support systems.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 91.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.6%
- Retention Rate
- 93.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $90,543
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $66,519 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $59,417 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,733 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $46,357 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $45,175 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $44,590 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $42,458 |
| History. | Bachelor | $42,363 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Weekend social life centers around campus events, intramural sports among the 697 varsity athletes, and trips into Worcester or Boston. Holy Cross maintains strong Catholic traditions while welcoming students of all backgrounds. The Crusaders compete in 23 Division I sports, and basketball games draw passionate crowds. Students often gather at Kimball Dining Hall or study in the modern Fenwick Hall. The tight-knit community reflects the 93% retention rate, with most students forming lifelong friendships during their four years on the hill.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,719 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1843
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–32°F
- July Avg
- 61°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 72.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 71.2%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 43.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.7%
Location
- Address
- Worcester, Massachusetts 01610-2395
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $90,543
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $82,319
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $55,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross accepts 36.36% of applicants, making it a selective liberal arts college. The admitted students typically score between 1260-1430 on the SAT, reflecting the school's academic rigor and competitive applicant pool.
How much does College of the Holy Cross cost after financial aid?
The average net price at College of the Holy Cross is $36,868, lower than the sticker price of $79,600. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,900 on average, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $39,615 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of the Holy Cross?
College of the Holy Cross maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling the close mentoring relationships the school is famous for. With only 3,015 students total, this Jesuit institution emphasizes personalized attention and strong academic support that contributes to its 93.02% retention rate.
What do graduates of College of the Holy Cross earn after graduation?
Holy Cross graduates earn a median of $90,543 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's strong alumni network in politics, medicine, and business. The employment rate reaches 95.9%, and notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci.
Where is College of the Holy Cross located and what is campus life like?
College of the Holy Cross sits in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-size city that provides internship and job opportunities. The campus houses 2,719 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 697 students compete in 23 NCAA Division I sports as the Crusaders.
Does College of the Holy Cross have a strong athletics program?
College of the Holy Cross competes in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Patriot League, with 23 varsity sports and $13,848,069 in athletic scholarships. The Crusaders have a storied basketball tradition, with Hall of Famer Bob Cousy among their most famous athletic alumni.
