College of the Holy Cross
Holy Cross
Worcester, Massachusetts 01610-2395
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Highly selective — top graduate earnings
College of the Holy Cross is a private urban institution in Worcester, Massachusetts. Admission is competitive, with an average SAT of 1354.
A mid-sized campus of 3K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
90% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $90,543 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $36,868.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Foundation The College of the Holy Cross was founded by Benedict Joseph Fenwick, second Bishop of Boston, as the first Catholic college in New England.
- •Mulledy's favorable report secured the Society's approval in August 1843.
- •On February 2, 1843, Fitton sold the land to Fenwick and the Diocese of Boston to be used to found the Catholic college that the bishop had wanted in Boston.
- •The building's cornerstone was laid on June 21, 1843 Beginnings Bishop Benedict Joseph Fenwick, founder of Holy CrossThe school opened in October 1843 with Jesuit Thomas F.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Clarence Thomas '71
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Anthony Fauci '62
Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Bob Cousy '50
13-time NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player
Chris Matthews '67
Former host of MSNBC's Hardball
Bob Casey Jr. '82
U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1354
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by December 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 15
Decision by February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by Mid-March
Holy Cross has been test-optional since 2006, focusing on four-year academic program and extracurricular involvement
Supplemental essays required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
International Students
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
60.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$25,879
Academics
Research: Strong emphasis on undergraduate research with summer funding opportunities
Programs (42)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
Campus Life
Holy Cross competes in Division I as the Crusaders
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
23
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Worcester Union Station 2 miles
Walkability
Walkable campus on Pakachoag Hill with shuttle service to downtown
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Worcester Art Museum
Renowned art museum with extensive collections
DCU Center
Sports and entertainment arena hosting concerts and events
Hanover Theatre
Historic theater featuring Broadway shows and performances
Days out near Worcester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Worcester, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small25 days