Holy Cross College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Holy Cross College is 73.71%. This means that 74 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Holy Cross College Admission Requirements
Holy Cross College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Holy Cross College is 3.2. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.9 and 3.2, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Holy Cross College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Holy Cross College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.2, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.20 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.00 – 3.19 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.80 – 2.99 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.79 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Holy Cross College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Holy Cross College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Holy Cross College Average SAT Score: 1229
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Holy Cross College is 1229 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1229 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Holy Cross College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 980, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Holy Cross College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 490 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 575 | 490 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1229 | 980 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 980 then you are below most of the admitted students at Holy Cross College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1300 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Holy Cross College with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Holy Cross College are good but the admission staff at Holy Cross College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Holy Cross College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Holy Cross College is 27.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Holy Cross College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 22 | 29 |
| ACT English | 29 | 24 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 23 | 31 |
Can I get into Holy Cross College with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Holy Cross College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27.Holy Cross College Profile
Name: Holy Cross College
City: Notre Dame
URL: www.hcc-nd.edu/
State: Indiana
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 46556-0308
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Can I Get Into Holy Cross College Without SAT Or ACT?: Holy Cross College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from Holy Cross College Worth It?
Getting into Holy Cross College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Holy Cross College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Holy Cross College is USD: 72725.39 and unemployment rate is 2.89%.
How much does a degree from Holy Cross College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Holy Cross College is USD: 48808. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Holy Cross College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
28.97% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 67.99 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Holy Cross College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Holy Cross College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Holy Cross College as your choice in the form.
How much a Holy Cross College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 50416. An average Holy Cross College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Holy Cross College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1205 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Holy Cross College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | University of South Florida, FL | 1235 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Holy Cross College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Point Loma Nazarene University, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1277 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Cross College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50416 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $48808 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Holy Cross College is 73.71 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.2. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.9, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.9, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.9 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.8 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Holy Cross College if my GPA is below 2.8
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.2, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Holy Cross College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1229 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 980-1300
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Holy Cross College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.