College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross is a private nonprofit university in Worcester, MA ranked #745 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 3,106 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 17.6%. Students most often pursue Economics and Mathematics.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 94.8% first-year retention, and 87.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $38,782, about $21,784 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -54.9%, roughly 140.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $69,984. That's about $26,296 higher than national results. It's well-suited to motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
College of the Holy Cross has an acceptance rate of 17.6%, annual tuition of $64,500, average net price of $38,782, and a national rank of #745 (Grade B), with a 87.3% six-year graduation rate, about 3,106 undergraduates, and median earnings of $69,984 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is College of the Holy Cross Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
College of the Holy Cross graduates 87.3% of students within six years and keeps 94.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use College of the Holy Cross's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $64,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,820 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $900 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $80,334 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.8% of College of the Holy Cross students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,343 to $56,284 depending on family income. Use College of the Holy Cross's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,711/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $56,284/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $69,984
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,984
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $25,879
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 86.9%
- Employment Rate 32.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for College of the Holy Cross graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
College of the Holy Cross vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how College of the Holy Cross's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes College of the Holy Cross's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $69,984 median, the -54.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 630-710
- SAT Math 610-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,106
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 94.8%
- Graduation Rate 87.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into College of the Holy Cross
1. Meet Academic Requirements: College of the Holy Cross requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 17.6%, College of the Holy Cross is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: College of the Holy Cross's 17.6% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1410 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among College of the Holy Cross undergraduates. Economics, Political Science and Government, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Economics 13.0%
- Political Science and Government 12.8%
- Psychology, General 12.7%
- English Language and Literature, General 7.8%
- Biology, General 6.1%
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 5.7%
See more majors
- Mathematics 5.1%
- Chemistry 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $118,102
- 2. Mathematics $105,706
- 3. Chemistry $84,834
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Political Science and Government $82,765
- 5. English Language and Literature, General $81,948
- 6. Biology, General $79,688
- 7. History $75,084
- 8. Computer Science $74,842
- 9. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $74,806
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $73,234
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $118,102—61% more than Accounting and Related Services ($73,234). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for College of the Holy Cross. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 112 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 111 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 110 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (41 programs)â–¼
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- History
- International/Global Studies
- Sociology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Area Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Statistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Dance
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,106
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.0%
- Female Students 54.0%
- Caucasian 68.3%
- Asian 3.2%
- Hispanic 12.8%
- Black 4.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects College of the Holy Cross's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of College of the Holy Cross's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does College of the Holy Cross support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at College of the Holy Cross, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does College of the Holy Cross support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at College of the Holy Cross, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
College of the Holy Cross offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -54.9% ROI. Ranked #745 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,782 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $69,984 median earnings. With 87.3% graduating within six years and 94.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: College of the Holy Cross's Positioning
With a B grade and #745 ranking, College of the Holy Cross competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,782 annually, College of the Holy Cross charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 94.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $27,147 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -54.9% ROI and $69,984 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,782+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: College of the Holy Cross ranks #745 of 6101 institutions, with 1211 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 87.3% six-year graduation rate sits 24.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 94.8% first-year retention is 18.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -54.9% return on investment is 140.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,984 run about 60% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,782 is roughly $21,385 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 32.7% employment rate within three years sits 35.5 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,782 is about $21,385 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 14.8% trails the national share by 24.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Worcester, MA, College of the Holy Cross operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #745 nationally Category results include Completion (A), Support (A), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (D+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
94.8% of learners come back after year one while 87.3% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -54.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,782 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $80,334.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $41,552 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,879 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $69,984 at the median. This is roughly 60% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 32.7%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -54.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
17.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the College of the Holy Cross admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate?
College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate is 17.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does College of the Holy Cross cost?
At College of the Holy Cross, listed tuition and fees are $64,500 per year, and the average net price after aid is $38,782. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is College of the Holy Cross's ranking?
College of the Holy Cross ranks #745 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is College of the Holy Cross's graduation rate?
At College of the Holy Cross, the six-year graduation rate is 87.3%, and first-year retention is 94.8%.
What are College of the Holy Cross's job outcomes?
Graduates of College of the Holy Cross report median earnings of $69,984 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is College of the Holy Cross's student population?
College of the Holy Cross enrolls about 3,106 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Worcester, MA 01610-2395
- Website www.holycross.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$1.04B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.8%