Private nonprofit Institution

College of the Holy Cross — Worcester, Massachusetts

Annual Tuition $60,850

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 21.1%

Highly Selective

Enrollment 3,015

Active Students

Avg. Salary $90,543

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Worcester, Massachusetts
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"College of the Holy Cross stands as a pillar of higher education in Worcester, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,015 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does College of the Holy Cross offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at College of the Holy Cross. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences
36.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
15.8%

Enrollment Share

English
7.4%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
7.1%

Enrollment Share

Physical Sciences
5.1%

Enrollment Share

History
4.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Physical Sciences College

The Physical Sciences program at College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best History College

The History program at College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at College of the Holy Cross?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 21.1%
Difficulty High

College of the Holy Cross maintains an acceptance rate of 21.1%, reflecting its status as a highly selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45.5%
Women Enrollment 54.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 630 - 720
SAT Mathematics 620 - 700
ACT English 26 - 34
ACT Mathematics 25 - 30
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does College of the Holy Cross cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $60,850
Out-of-State Tuition $60,850

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 14.7%
Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $60,850, graduates see a median starting salary of $90,543, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Massachusetts.

What salary can College of the Holy Cross graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $90,543

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 89.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $36,868
Median Salary (6yr) $69,984
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester?

3,015 Students

Gender Comparison

45.5% Men
54.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

93%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0%
Asian
3.3%
Black
4.2%
White
71.2%
Unknown
2.8%
Hispanic
11.8%
Two or More Races
3.9%
International
2.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 19
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First-Generation 16.6%
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Receive Pell Grant 30.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $82,332
Average Family Income $133,630
Median Family Income $106,778

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47.8%
52.2%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Worcester Campus Environment

Located at One College Street, College of the Holy Cross offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Massachusetts. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
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How does College of the Holy Cross compare?

Common Questions about College of the Holy Cross

Is College of the Holy Cross a good college in Worcester, Massachusetts?
College of the Holy Cross is a recognized institution in Worcester with an enrollment of 3,015 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Massachusetts.
Is College of the Holy Cross worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $90,543 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does College of the Holy Cross cost for Massachusetts residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at College of the Holy Cross is approximately $60,850. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $60,850. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of College of the Holy Cross after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending College of the Holy Cross for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 30.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is College of the Holy Cross good for Social Sciences and Psychology programs?
College of the Holy Cross reports program activity in Social Sciences and Psychology. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending College of the Holy Cross?
Graduates of College of the Holy Cross often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $90,543, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for College of the Holy Cross?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on College of the Holy Cross's official admissions website.
Does College of the Holy Cross require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on College of the Holy Cross's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can College of the Holy Cross graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of College of the Holy Cross earn a median salary of $90,543 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is College of the Holy Cross a good investment compared to other MA colleges?
Compare College of the Holy Cross's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Massachusetts to judge value for your goals.
Where is College of the Holy Cross located and what is the campus like?
College of the Holy Cross is located at One College Street in Worcester, MA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,015 learners.
Who typically attends College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA?
The student body at College of the Holy Cross is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 16.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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