About University of Holy Cross
Holy Cross builds healthcare professionals and teachers in the heart of New Orleans. This small Catholic university enrolls just 405 students and focuses heavily on nursing, education, and social work programs. The school sits in a large city setting where students gain hands-on experience in local hospitals and schools.
Students pay an average net price of $16,780 after aid, making this one of the more affordable private universities in Louisiana. Graduates earn a median of $49,316 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $26,995. The monthly loan payment averages $286, which represents a manageable burden given the strong job placement in healthcare fields. About 97% of graduates find employment, reflecting the high demand for nurses and teachers in the region.
The student body tilts heavily female at 81.73%, which aligns with the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated professions like nursing and education. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The school maintains strong ties to the Holy Cross Sisters' mission of serving underserved communities. About 82% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community focused on addressing local workforce needs in healthcare and education.
Students pay an average net price of $16,780 after aid, making this one of the more affordable private universities in Louisiana. Graduates earn a median of $49,316 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $26,995. The monthly loan payment averages $286, which represents a manageable burden given the strong job placement in healthcare fields. About 97% of graduates find employment, reflecting the high demand for nurses and teachers in the region.
The student body tilts heavily female at 81.73%, which aligns with the school's focus on traditionally female-dominated professions like nursing and education. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The school maintains strong ties to the Holy Cross Sisters' mission of serving underserved communities. About 82% of students come from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community focused on addressing local workforce needs in healthcare and education.
Academics & Faculty
University of Holy Cross operates as a small Catholic institution focused on health sciences and education. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. With 405 total students, classes stay small and personal. The university built its reputation around nursing and healthcare programs, preparing students for New Orleans' major medical centers. Only 36% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many working students face in completing demanding healthcare coursework. The school also offers teacher preparation programs that serve local Catholic schools. Students receive hands-on clinical experience through partnerships with area hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.8%
- Retention Rate
- 69.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,316
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,880 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $46,478 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $41,007 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,523 |
Campus Life
Holy Cross sits in the heart of New Orleans, where students trade winter coats for year-round humidity and sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Just 28% of the 405 students can live in the limited on-campus housing for 115 residents. Most students commute from around Louisiana, with 82% coming from in-state.
The overwhelmingly female student body (82% women) creates a close-knit community where the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your story. Students gather in the French Quarter on weekends, taking advantage of free museum days and festival seasons that define New Orleans culture. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service projects and reflection periods, though the diverse student population (42% white, 25% Black, 12% Hispanic) brings varied perspectives to discussions. Between classes, students often study in small groups under oak trees or grab coffee in the nearby Garden District. Summer sessions mean dealing with oppressive heat and humidity, while winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees.
The overwhelmingly female student body (82% women) creates a close-knit community where the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your story. Students gather in the French Quarter on weekends, taking advantage of free museum days and festival seasons that define New Orleans culture. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service projects and reflection periods, though the diverse student population (42% white, 25% Black, 12% Hispanic) brings varied perspectives to discussions. Between classes, students often study in small groups under oak trees or grab coffee in the nearby Garden District. Summer sessions mean dealing with oppressive heat and humidity, while winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 115 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1916
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–62°F
- July Avg
- 76°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 65.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
University of Holy Cross draws students who value intimate learning environments and Catholic education in New Orleans. Women make up more than four out of five students, reflecting the school's strong nursing and education programs that have historically attracted female students. The student body brings together local Louisiana residents with a diverse mix of white, Black, and Hispanic students. Many come from working-class families, with over a quarter qualifying for Pell Grants. The small enrollment of just 405 creates a tight-knit community where students know their classmates and professors personally.
- Men
- 18.3%
- Women
- 81.7%
- White
- 41.5%
- Black
- 24.7%
- Hispanic
- 12.4%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 82.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.4%
Location
University of Holy Cross sits in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of America's most distinctive cultural centers. The campus is located within the city limits of this major metropolitan area of over 380,000 residents. New Orleans offers students access to world-well-known music, cuisine, and festivals like Mardi Gras. The city's unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and American influences creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the South. Students experience life in a major port city with deep historical roots and active nightlife. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities across tourism, healthcare, and business sectors. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare University of Holy Cross with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- New Orleans, Louisiana 70131-7399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,316
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,096
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,995
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Holy Cross?
University of Holy Cross accepts 87.35% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for prospective students. This Catholic institution in New Orleans focuses on personalized education with small class sizes rather than highly selective admissions.
How much does University of Holy Cross cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,780 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning $48-75K pay the least at $13,949, while the published tuition remains $16,160 for all students regardless of residency.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Holy Cross?
The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, ensuring extremely small classes and close mentoring relationships. With only 405 total students enrolled, this creates an intimate learning environment typical of small Catholic colleges.
What are the graduation rates at University of Holy Cross?
The six-year graduation rate is 35.80%, which is below national averages for four-year institutions. However, graduates earn a median of $49,316 ten years after enrollment, and the employment rate reaches 97.0%.
Where do students live at University of Holy Cross?
Housing capacity is limited to just 115 students on campus, meaning most students commute from the New Orleans area. With 82.26% of students coming from Louisiana, the majority likely live at home or in nearby off-campus housing.
Is University of Holy Cross primarily a women's college?
Women make up 81.73% of the student body, creating a predominantly female campus environment. This gender distribution reflects the university's strong programs in nursing and education, fields that traditionally attract more women students.
