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


The College of the Holy Cross provides a comprehensive athletics program that includes a variety of varsity sports for both men and women. Students have the opportunity to participate in 27 NCAA Division I teams, which span across traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, as well as individual sports like rowing and swimming. The college is a member of the Patriot League, emphasizing a balance between rigorous academics and competitive athletics.
Facilities supporting these athletic programs include modern arenas, fields, and training centers that cater to diverse sports needs. The college actively promotes student-athlete development, encouraging both physical excellence and academic achievement. Additionally, club and intramural sports are available for those seeking less intensive competitive environments, allowing wider student engagement and promoting campus wellness.
Holy Cross places considerable emphasis on fostering teamwork, leadership, and discipline through its athletics offerings. Prospective students interested in competing at a high collegiate level will find opportunities to engage in well-supported programs with experienced coaching staff, while those wanting more casual participation can explore numerous recreational options.
The College of the Holy Cross offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and provide opportunities for leadership, community engagement, and cultural expression. Among these groups are the Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), which likely focuses on community outreach and urban issues, and the Campus Activities Board, which organizes events and activities for the student body.
The Student Government Association represents the student population, advocating for their interests and facilitating communication between students and administration. The Black Student Union serves as a cultural and support organization for Black students, fostering community and awareness. Additionally, the Counseling Outreach Peer Educators (COPE) provide peer support and promote mental health awareness on campus.
The total student enrollment includes 1,429 men and 1,677 women, reflecting the community these organizations serve. Together, these groups contribute to a vibrant campus life by encouraging involvement and addressing various student needs.
The student body at College of the Holy Cross comprises a moderate number of new enrollees each year, with approximately 823 freshmen and 18 transfer students, totaling around 841 new students. This total is considered average in comparison to other institutions, placing the college in the lower half nationally by size of incoming classes.
Most undergraduate students fall within the typical college age range, predominantly between 18 and 21 years old. Specifically, there are 1,494 students aged 18 to 19 and 1,288 aged 20 to 21. Younger students under 18 number 37, while a smaller contingent of only six students are aged 25 to 29. There are no graduate students reported in the data.
Demographically, the student population exhibits modest diversity. White students form the largest group with 2,121 individuals. Hispanic students number 399, while African American students make up 146. Asian students account for 99, and students identifying with two or more races total 126. Smaller groups include Native American students (3) and Pacific Islanders (2). Additionally, 113 students did not report their racial or ethnic background. Overall, the demographic mix is typical, falling within average ranges compared to other institutions.
Student life at College of the Holy Cross features a variety of extracurricular activities and artistic opportunities. Students can engage in campus newspaper, drama productions, radio broadcasting, band, and chorus programs, fostering a vibrant campus culture. While there is no campus television station, many avenues exist for creative and communicative expression.
The college supports student well-being with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling services, ensuring both physical and mental health needs are addressed on campus.
Covering 174 acres, the campus provides ample space for these activities as well as for athletics, as the college is a member of the NCAA. The relatively low student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 suggests students may benefit from more personalized attention in academic settings.
College of the Holy Cross boasts a total of four libraries, placing it in the top 20% of institutions for the number of library facilities available. The main library is the Dinand Library, supported by three additional libraries on campus. This array of libraries provides students with broad access to physical and digital resources.
The college's library collection includes approximately 410,275 books, representing an average volume by national standards, falling near the 50th percentile. While the number of subscriptions and digital subscriptions hover below average, with 6,864 subscriptions and 85,362 digital subscriptions respectively, students still benefit from a sizeable and diverse range of materials for research and study. Additionally, the number of ebooks totals 517,273 and the number of databases reaches 205, both levels considered average compared to peer institutions.
Students have the advantage of all-day access and clearly established library hours, supported by trained staff to facilitate their research needs. The libraries combine physical facilities with digital access, and they provide connectivity to shared collections, enhancing the available resources beyond the individual libraries themselves. Although formal study rooms are not available, the libraries offer ample service hours each week, adding to the overall accessibility and functionality of their academic support services.
Total enrollment
3107Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
834Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
334 full time, 36 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Dinand LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
4Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes