Holy Cross College

What is the history of Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College is a private Catholic college in Notre Dame, Indiana, founded in 1966 by the Brothers of Holy Cross. It began as a two-year institution and later expanded to offer bachelor's degrees, a change that helps explain its present mix of liberal arts study and career-oriented majors.

The college shares its religious heritage and geographic setting with the nearby University of Notre Dame, but it is a separate institution with its own admissions process, degree requirements, and accreditation. Applicants comparing the two should not assume that admission to one provides admission, course access, or a degree from the other.

What are the faculties and departments at Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College offers undergraduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional fields. Its academic offerings include subjects such as business, biology, computer science, communication, elementary education, English, history, psychology, and theology.

Rather than a large university system of separate colleges, students encounter a relatively small undergraduate institution. The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 13 to 1; that ratio describes staffing across the college, not the size of every class. An applicant with a particular career goal should compare the current catalog's major requirements, internship expectations, and any requirements for professional licensure.

What is the location of Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College is in Notre Dame, Indiana, alongside the South Bend area of northern Indiana. Its location puts students near the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College while retaining a separate Holy Cross campus.

South Bend provides shopping, employment, and transportation options beyond campus. South Bend International Airport is the nearest airport listed for the college. About one-third of students commute, so prospective commuters should consider their travel time and parking needs; first-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus.

What is the mission and vision of Holy Cross College?

Holy Cross College describes its educational mission in Catholic and Holy Cross terms, emphasizing intellectual development, faith, and service. That identity informs its approach to undergraduate education, though students need not treat the college's stated aims as a measure of any individual student's experience.

For applicants, the practical question is how that mission appears in required coursework, campus ministry, service opportunities, and community expectations. Students comparing religiously affiliated colleges should review the current academic catalog and student handbook to distinguish graduation requirements from voluntary activities.