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College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA·Private nonprofit·3,015 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for competitive applicants and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $88,600 within 10 years; strong 90% graduation rate.

21%
Accept
3,015
Students
$36,868
Net Price
90%
Grad Rate
$88,600
Earnings
10 yr
$25,879
Debt

About This School

College of the Holy Cross is a private nonprofit institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts with approximately 3,015 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 21% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $36,868 per year. The graduation rate is 90%, and the typical graduate earns $88,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded by educators Benedict Joseph Fenwick and Thomas F. Mulledy in 1843 under the auspices of the Society of Jesus. Holy Cross was the first Catholic college in New England and is among the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the US.

This is a strong option for students seeking a rigorous Jesuit liberal arts education in a tight-knit community — a 90% graduation rate and 93% freshman retention signal that students who get in tend to thrive and stay. The financial picture is worth scrutinizing: $36,868/year in net price is substantial, though median earnings of $88,600 a decade out and relatively modest debt of $25,879 at graduation suggest the investment tends to pay off. The 21% acceptance rate means you'll need a competitive application, but if you want a small Catholic liberal arts college with strong outcomes near Boston, this one earns serious consideration.

Founded
1843
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences37%
Psychology16%
English7%
Biological Sciences7%
Physical Sciences5%
Business & Marketing3%
Mathematics3%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Anthony FauciTimothy LearyJoseph MurrayBob CousyClarence ThomasVito AcconciAnn DowdBob CaseyJoseph P. KerwinPeter WelchTom HeinsohnJames Quinn

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1354
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile700

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$60,850
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,850
Avg Net Price
$36,868
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$25,879

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
90%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
93%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$88,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$25,879
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$25,879
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$55,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$88,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,015 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

College of the Holy Cross

One College Street

Worcester, MA 01610-2395

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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