The College of the Holy Cross, founded in 1843 in Worcester, Massachusetts, is the oldest Catholic Jesuit college in New England. Holy Cross offers a rigorous liberal arts education with 30+ majors, particularly excelling in classics, religious studies, and economics. The 174-acre campus on Mount St. James features stunning Gothic architecture alongside modern facilities like the Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Holy Cross emphasizes intellectual formation and service, reflected in its Montserrat program that integrates first-year seminars with residential life. The college's strong alumni network includes notable figures like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and author Edward P. Jones. Holy Cross's recent $400 million campaign has enhanced financial aid and academic resources while maintaining its Jesuit mission of educating the whole person.
College of the Holy Cross Acceptance Rate
College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross) is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 21.1% indicates that only 21 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, Holy Cross considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College of the Holy Cross Admission Requirements
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College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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.
College of the Holy Cross Average SAT Score: 1354
The average SAT score of the admitted students at College of the Holy Cross is 1354 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1354 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1420 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. College of the Holy Cross allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1250, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Holy Cross. 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 | 660 | 620 | 700 |
| SAT Reading | 675 | 630 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1354 | 1250 | 1420 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1250 then you are below most of the admitted students at Holy Cross and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1420 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 1350
Can I get into College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross) are good but the admission staff at Holy Cross 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.
College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Holy Cross is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes College of the Holy Cross very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into College of the Holy Cross with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at College of the Holy Cross 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 30.Holy Cross Profile
Name: College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross)
City: Worcester
URL: www.holycross.edu/
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 01610-2395
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from Holy Cross Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College of the Holy Cross is USD: 76510. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of the Holy Cross is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
14.73% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 40.19 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Holy Cross and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of the Holy Cross, 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 as your choice in the form.
How much a Holy Cross Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 90543. An average Holy Cross 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 College of the Holy Cross. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Lake Forest College | Lake Forest College, IL | 1309 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as College of the Holy Cross. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than College of the Holy Cross. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Dance
Frequently Asked Questions About College of the Holy Cross Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $90543 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $76510 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of College of the Holy Cross is 21.1 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to College of the Holy Cross is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1354 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1250-1420
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 College of the Holy Cross.
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.