
1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610-2395, USA


College of the Holy Cross holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring that it meets regional standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation affirms the college's commitment to maintaining rigorous educational programs and continuous improvement across its offerings.
Admission to College of the Holy Cross requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or an equivalent secondary school diploma. Prospective students must submit their full secondary school academic records along with recommendations to be considered for admission. The college mandates a TOEFL score for applicants whose primary language is not English. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted; however, the institution does not offer dual credit options or award credit prior to enrollment from other prior college programs.
The college does not maintain an open admission policy, meaning that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The acceptance rate is notably low, at around 21%, placing it among the more selective institutions nationally.
Standardized test scores play a significant role in admissions. The mean SAT score for enrolled students is approximately 1330, ranking in the top 15% nationally, with segment scores averaging 660 in Math and 670 in Writing. The average ACT score sits at 30, placing admitted students in the top 10% percentile. About 30% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, while 15% submitted ACT scores.
The College of the Holy Cross requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of their admissions process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with reviewing applications.
Applicants who may face financial challenges have the opportunity to request a fee waiver. The college offers these waivers to eligible students to ensure that the application cost does not become a barrier to applying. Typically, fee waivers are granted based on financial need, and applicants can indicate their need for a waiver during the application process.
It is important for candidates to consult the college's official admissions guidelines or contact the admissions office directly to confirm eligibility requirements and the procedure for requesting a fee waiver, ensuring they receive the most accurate and personalized assistance.
College of the Holy Cross offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through affiliations with cooperating host institutions rather than hosting a branch unit directly on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC training will participate in programs managed off-site at partner universities. This arrangement allows students to engage in military training and leadership development while pursuing their academic studies at College of the Holy Cross, despite the absence of an on-campus ROTC unit.
College of the Holy Cross permits transfer students to apply for admission during the fall and spring terms. The institution accepts transfer credits, allowing students to bring previously earned coursework toward their degree requirements. Admissions for transfer applicants are highly selective, reflecting a very difficult entrance standard. Prospective transfer students should note that other details regarding credit examinations or specific credit acceptance policies are not publicly disclosed.
College of the Holy Cross offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. The programs are diverse, ranging from semester-long and academic year exchanges to summer and faculty-led short-term programs. These options allow students to immerse themselves in different countries and academic environments while earning credits toward their degree.
Students can choose to study in multiple regions worldwide, with partner institutions across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other areas. The college emphasizes programs that integrate rigorous academics with cultural engagement, encouraging students to develop a global perspective alongside their coursework.
Additionally, College of the Holy Cross provides support services to help students prepare for and adjust to studying abroad. This includes pre-departure advising, assistance with application processes, and resources for language learning. Such support ensures that students maximize their educational and personal growth during their time overseas.
The college's commitment to accessible international education is reflected in its efforts to offer financial aid options for students pursuing study abroad experiences, making these opportunities attainable for a broader range of students.
Median composite SAT score
1330Median composite ACT score
30Percent of students submitting ACT scores
15%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
30%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring