Holy Cross College: 76.2% Acceptance Rate

76.2%Acceptance

$35,500Tuition

533Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,416Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Holy Cross College

Holy Cross College functions as a stepping stone to the University of Notre Dame, offering students a chance to prove themselves academically before transferring to the strong institution next door. The college enrolls just 533 students in a large suburban setting, creating an intimate Catholic environment where personal attention is the norm. With a 76% acceptance rate, Holy Cross welcomes students who may need additional preparation for rigorous academic work.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $26,470 after aid, less than the $48,900 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $50,416 ten years after enrollment, which barely doubles the annual cost of attendance. The 29.5% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, though those who do carry a manageable median debt load of $24,000.

The student body is 62% male and diverse, with 29% Hispanic students and representation from across the country. Only 30% of students come from Indiana. Eight varsity sports compete at the NJCAA level, supported by nearly $1 million in athletic scholarships. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, crucial for students preparing to transfer or launch their careers.

Academics & Faculty

Holy Cross College functions as a transfer-focused institution where many students use their time to prepare for admission to the University of Notre Dame next door. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment with just 533 total students. However, the 29.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's unique role as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. The Catholic college emphasizes foundational liberal arts coursework and college readiness programs. Students receive intensive academic support designed to strengthen their credentials for competitive four-year universities. The small class sizes allow professors to provide individualized attention that many students need to develop stronger study skills and academic confidence before transferring.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.5%
Retention Rate: 79.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,416
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$40,461
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$35,060

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Campus Life

Holy Cross sits on the same campus as the University of Notre Dame, giving its 533 students access to a strong collegiate atmosphere. About 72% of students live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know everyone by name. South Bend winters require serious winter gear, with lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Michigan lasting from November through March.

The college serves as a bridge program for students aiming to transfer to Notre Dame, so academic focus runs high despite the relaxed campus vibe. With 62% male enrollment, the gender balance skews toward men, many drawn by the eight varsity sports programs. Weekends revolve around Notre Dame football games in the fall, where Holy Cross students get the full Fighting Irish experience. The suburban setting puts Chicago about 90 minutes away by car, but most students stick close to campus. The 79% retention rate reflects students who find their footing in this supportive Catholic environment before potentially moving on to larger universities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 385 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.9"
Annual Snowfall: 64.5"

Student Demographics

Holy Cross attracts students who see it as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities, particularly transfer to Notre Dame. The student body is 70% out-of-state, reflecting the school's draw for families seeking Catholic education beyond Indiana's borders. Men outnumber women nearly two to one, likely reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation. The college serves a economically diverse population, with nearly 30% receiving Pell Grants alongside students from wealthier families paying full tuition. This mix creates a community united by ambition rather than background, where students view Holy Cross as their launching pad.

Men: 62.3%
Women: 37.7%
White: 50.1%
Black: 5.8%
Hispanic: 29.1%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 30.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.0%

Location

Holy Cross College sits in Notre Dame, Indiana, sharing its location with the famous University of Notre Dame campus. The school operates just 90 miles east of Chicago, putting students within reach of a major metropolitan area. Northern Indiana offers a classic Midwest college town atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and a strong Catholic academic tradition. The area revolves around higher education, with Notre Dame's golden dome serving as a regional landmark. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers bring humid warmth typical of the Great Lakes region. The surrounding South Bend metropolitan area houses about 300,000 residents. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Holy Cross College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-0308

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,416
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,665
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College accepts 76.17% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1288. The college serves as a bridge program for students who eventually want to transfer to the University of Notre Dame, making it more accessible than its famous neighbor.

How much does Holy Cross College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $26,470 annually, though costs vary by family income. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $13,969, while those earning over $110,000 pay $33,940 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 533 total students enrolled. This small Catholic college emphasizes close mentorship and personalized attention in its intimate academic environment.

What are the graduation rates at Holy Cross College?

Only 29.50% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year graduation rate of 31.11%. These low completion rates reflect the college's role as a transfer-focused institution where many students move on to Notre Dame or other universities.

Where is Holy Cross College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Notre Dame, Indiana, with housing capacity for 385 students out of 533 total enrollment. Men make up 62.29% of the student body, and the college competes in NJCAA athletics with 8 varsity sports programs.

Does Holy Cross College help students transfer to Notre Dame?

Holy Cross College was founded in 1966 specifically to serve as a bridge program for students seeking to transfer to the University of Notre Dame. The 79.28% retention rate suggests most students stay engaged with their transfer preparation goals.