Overview
College of the Holy Cross is a selective private four-year institution in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school accepts 36.4% of applicants and enrolls 3,015 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 36.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,345
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,430
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 3,015
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Holy Cross requires a supplemental essay asking why you want to attend, and your answer needs to go beyond generic liberal arts talking points. Research specific professors whose work aligns with your interests, mention particular research opportunities like the Summer Research Program, or discuss how you'd contribute to their strong sense of community service through programs like the Chaplains' Office volunteer initiatives.
Your application will stand out if you can articulate how Holy Cross's Jesuit mission connects to your personal values. Don't just say you want to help people,explain how their emphasis on being "men and women for others" relates to specific experiences you've had or goals you want to pursue. The admissions team wants to see that you understand what makes a Jesuit education different.
Consider highlighting involvement with social justice work, community service, or leadership roles that show you'll contribute to campus life. Holy Cross students tend to be highly engaged beyond academics, participating in everything from their competitive Division I athletics programs to the extensive intramural offerings and more than 100 student organizations.
The campus culture revolves around tight-knit community bonds and school spirit. Students who succeed here generally enjoy smaller class sizes, want to know their professors personally, and appreciate the strong alumni network that helps with internships and job placement. If you prefer large university anonymity, Holy Cross probably isn't your best fit.
Your essays should mention specific academic programs that interest you. The economics program has particularly strong outcomes, and their pre-med advising helps students gain acceptance to medical school at higher than average rates. If you're interested in research, highlight how you'd take advantage of their undergraduate research opportunities across departments.
Submit your application early in the regular decision cycle. While Holy Cross doesn't have rolling admissions, they do offer Early Decision if you're certain about attending. Make sure your activities list shows sustained involvement rather than just a long list of clubs you joined briefly.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $36,868/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $60,850
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 89.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $90,543/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does College of the Holy Cross require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
College of the Holy Cross is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
Does College of the Holy Cross offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Holy Cross offers Early Decision I (November 15 deadline) and Early Decision II (January 15 deadline), both of which are binding. They do not offer Early Action.
Can you transfer to College of the Holy Cross?
Yes, Holy Cross accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must have completed at least one semester of college coursework.
What is the application deadline for College of the Holy Cross?
The regular decision deadline is January 15. Early Decision I is due November 15, and Early Decision II is due January 15.