College of the Holy Cross campus
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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private · 3,106 students

As a residential college, nearly 90% of students live on campus, fostering a vibrant community.

Acceptance rate

17.6%

SAT (mid 50%)

1240–1410

Avg net price

$38,782

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the College of the Holy Cross admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

College of the Holy Cross admitted 17.6% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1240–1410 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what College of the Holy Cross actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Exploratory, Jesuit Liberal Arts

Learning at Holy Cross is designed to promote a radical sense of curiosity, wonder and an active engagement with the world.

The academic structure emphasizes an exploratory liberal arts environment, beginning with the Montserrat first-year program, and fosters interdisciplinary study and hands-on experiential learning.

  • Montserratliving & learning community, broad themes, small yearlong seminar
  • Academic Programscollaboration, innovation, experimentation across disciplines, wide-ranging idea
  • Hands-on Opportunitiesconnect coursework with hands-on learning, community-based learning, research

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Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.holycross.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $80,334. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $38,782.

Holy Cross meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all entering students, and families making $100,000 or less with reasonable assets will receive a full tuition grant.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $90,543.

Verified from https://www.holycross.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Economics14% of degrees
  • Political Science and Government14% of degrees
  • Psychology, General14% of degrees
  • English Language and Literature, General6% of degrees
  • Sociology6% of degrees
  • Biology, General5% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“Engage in a Montserrat seminar, grab a meal at a consistently recognized dining hall, then suit up with one of 27 Division I teams, a Tuesday here.”

Our certified national arboretum campus, renowned as one of the most beautiful in the country, offers a welcoming home for all.

ResidentialSuburbanAthletic

Quick answers

What do people ask about College of the Holy Cross?

Is College of the Holy Cross test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at College of the Holy Cross is optional.
How hard is it to get into College of the Holy Cross?
Very hard. College of the Holy Cross admits 17.6% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240 to 1410 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does College of the Holy Cross cost?
The list price is about $80,334. After aid, families pay $38,782 on average.
Is College of the Holy Cross worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $90,543 ten years after enrolling. 88% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about College of the Holy Cross.

Spike answers from College of the Holy Cross’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.