College of the Holy Cross Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~18%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29-33
- Middle 50% SAT: EBRW 650–720 , Math 630–710
- Average GPA: N/A
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach. Focus on strong essays, meaningful extracurriculars, and a clear sense of purpose that fits a Jesuit, service-oriented environment.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive, but admission is selective. Demonstrated interest, writing quality, and character matter just as much as stats.
- Well above the ranges: Admission chances improve, but merit is still highly selective and unpredictable—don’t expect a guaranteed scholarship outcome.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 College of the Holy Cross at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Bean Scholarship & Brooks Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$36,868/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
10 opportunities
3 automatic · 5 competitive · 2 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: May 5
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Bean Scholarship & Brooks Scholarship
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at College of the Holy Cross (Read This First)
- Merit is automatic but extremely selective: Just because there’s no separate application doesn’t mean it’s common—only a small group of top admits receive it.
- High cost + CSS Profile required: Financial aid is detailed and need-based, and families often underestimate what they’ll actually be expected to pay.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — College of the Holy Cross is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29-33; SAT: EBRW 650–720 , Math 630–710.
Average net price? About $36,868/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at College of the Holy Cross 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$67,200 |
$67,200 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$19,700 |
$19,700 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$86,900 |
$86,900 |
Average Federal Net Price: $36,868 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
Private college with a single tuition rate for all undergraduates; tuition figures reflect billed tuition only, with housing and meal plan listed separately, and no residency-based waivers or regional reciprocity programs are described.
📄 CSS Profile Requirement
In addition to the FAFSA, the College of the Holy Cross requires the CSS Profile to award institutional financial aid.
This form allows the college to assess eligibility for Holy Cross Grants and other need-based funding, including full-tuition grants for many families with incomes at or below $100,000.
👉 If this is your first time filling it out, start with our step-by-step
CSS Profile Guide.
🗓️ Holy Cross “Don’t-Miss” Financial Aid Calendar
At Holy Cross, the financial aid filing deadlines line up with your admissions plan.
If you’re applying for institutional aid, treat the FAFSA + CSS Profile as part of the application —
not something you do “after we get in.”
| Application Plan |
Admissions App Due |
CSS Profile Due |
FAFSA Due |
| Early Decision I |
Nov 15 |
Nov 15 |
Nov 15 |
| Early Decision II |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
| Regular Decision |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
Tip: If parents are divorced/separated, the CSS Profile process can require extra steps — build in extra time.
🧮 Start Here: Holy Cross’s Recommended Cost Estimator (MyinTuition)
Holy Cross recommends that families start with MyinTuition — a quick, 6-question estimator that gives a fast
need-based aid range. Then, if Holy Cross stays on the list, use the full Net Price Calculator for a more detailed estimate.
Launch MyinTuition (Holy Cross) →
CRP parent tip: Do this before your student applies Early Decision — it helps you decide if ED is financially realistic.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at the College of the Holy Cross
Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Holy Cross is a private institution, so tuition is not subsidized by state taxes. All undergraduates pay the same published tuition rate regardless of residency.
Is the $86,900 total what most families actually pay?
No. That figure reflects the full sticker price before aid. The average net price is much lower due to Holy Cross’s institutional grants, and many families pay far less depending on financial need.
Does Holy Cross offer in-state discounts or regional tuition exchanges?
No. Holy Cross does not participate in programs like WUE, ACM, or MSEP. Financial aid is awarded based on institutional policy rather than residency.
Do I need to file the CSS Profile if we won’t qualify for need-based aid?
If you are applying for Holy Cross institutional aid, yes. Families who submit only the FAFSA may still qualify for federal aid, but the CSS Profile is required for Holy Cross Grants.
What costs are not billed directly by the college?
Books, transportation, and personal expenses are not billed by Holy Cross but are included in federal aid calculations. These typically add several thousand dollars per year.
Sources:
https://www.holycross.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-financial-aid
https://catalog.holycross.edu/about/financial-aid/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/college-of-the-holy-cross
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at the College of the Holy Cross
💡 Holy Cross “Full Tuition” Policy (Big Deal for Many Middle-Income Families)
Holy Cross says that families with total income of $100,000 or less (and reasonable assets) may receive a
full tuition grant. That doesn’t mean college is “free” — families may still be responsible for housing/meals and indirect costs —
but it can dramatically change the math for families who assume Holy Cross is automatically out of reach.
Holy Cross offers a limited number of automatic merit scholarships that are awarded directly by the Admission Committee.
There is no separate scholarship application for these awards, and they are highly selective.
🎯 Superscoring Matters
Holy Cross superscores both the ACT and SAT for admission and scholarship consideration, using the highest section scores across test dates.
Submitting all test sittings can strengthen a student’s academic profile for merit review.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographic
Ellis Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submitted with the regular Holy Cross admission application; finalist interviews held on campus in February
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ One admitted student each year from Worcester, MA, can receive a scholarship that pays full Holy Cross tuition for four years
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
A full-tuition scholarship that pairs with Holy Cross Grants and other need-based aid up to the cost of attendance. Because tuition is fully covered, additional need-based aid typically shifts toward room, board, and fees.
💡
Strategic Detail
A full-tuition scholarship for a Worcester resident entering the first year at Holy Cross, renewable for all four years. There is no separate application — every Worcester applicant is reviewed automatically, with finalists invited to campus for a February interview.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One outstanding Worcester resident admitted to Holy Cross each year — strong academics, evidence of leadership and community engagement, and a sense of fit with the Jesuit mission.
Automatic
Faber Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submitted with the regular Holy Cross admission and financial aid applications
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with Holy Cross Grants and other need-based institutional aid in the overall aid package, with total aid capped at the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Named for St. Peter Faber, one of the first Jesuits. Awarded each year to students identified through the admissions process who combine strong academic achievement with demonstrated financial need. Renewed for four years with good academic progress and a satisfactory disciplinary record. Amount varies based on the student's aid package and is not published as a fixed figure.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving admitted students who also demonstrate financial need — the Faber rewards strong academics paired with personal growth and responsibility, identified through holistic admission and aid review.
Automatic
Magis Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submitted with the regular Holy Cross admission application
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
A merit-based tuition scholarship that combines with Holy Cross Grants and other need-based aid in the overall package, with total aid capped at the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Magis is Latin for "more," reflecting the Jesuit invitation to dig deeper and pursue excellence. Renewed each year for four years with good academic progress and a satisfactory disciplinary record. Amount is not pre-published — it is determined through the admission review process and built into the institutional aid package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Among the most academically talented applicants in each admissions cycle — students who have distinguished themselves as scholars, model citizens, and leaders in school and community. This is a highly selective merit pool, not a participation award.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Holy Cross
Do I need to apply separately for Holy Cross merit scholarships?
No. All admission-based merit scholarships are awarded automatically as part of the admission review process.
Are there published GPA or test score cutoffs?
No. Holy Cross does not publish merit grids or guaranteed thresholds. Awards are highly selective and based on holistic review.
Are departmental scholarships automatic?
No. Music and Classics scholarships require auditions or departmental selection and are limited to specific majors.
Does test-optional admission affect merit chances?
Holy Cross is test-optional, but strong test scores—especially when superscored—can strengthen a student’s academic profile for merit consideration.
Do merit scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Merit scholarships can stack with Holy Cross Grants and other need-based aid, though total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Sources:
https://www.holycross.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships-grants
https://catalog.holycross.edu/about/financial-aid/
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
Unlike many large public universities, the College of the Holy Cross does not offer broad, application-based flagship scholarships
(such as full-ride programs with essays, interviews, or leadership competitions open to all applicants).
Important Context for Families
Holy Cross focuses its financial aid strategy on meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.
As a result, most high-dollar awards are need-based grants, not competitive merit scholarships.
Some named awards—such as the Ellis Scholarship—are sometimes described as “competitive,”
but they are automatically considered at admission, restricted to specific populations
(Worcester, MA residents), and do not require a separate scholarship application.
For CRP purposes, these are best understood as special automatic awards, not flagship competitions.
Full TuitionApp Required
Bean Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Departmental deadline (coordinated by the Classics department alongside admission)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pairs with Holy Cross need-based grants and other institutional aid as long as your total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance. Because this is a full-tuition scholarship, additional Holy Cross Grant money typically shifts toward room and board rather than stacking on top of tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Holy Cross for admission and complete the Classics department's scholarship process. Departmental faculty review incoming classics majors and select Bean Scholars; materials and timing are coordinated through the Classics department.
Selection criteria: Departmental faculty review weighting strength in classical languages, academic record, and projected fit with the Classics major.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
A four-year full-tuition scholarship awarded to an incoming student who will major in the Classics department. Holy Cross lists Bean among its Tuition Scholarships, which are merit-based awards offered at the point of admission, with departmental selection determining who receives the Classics awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year students who plan to major in Classics and walk in with serious Latin and/or Greek preparation, strong academic records, and a clear love of the discipline. Faculty are looking for students who could become engaged majors from day one.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specific
Brooks Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ One incoming music major each year can receive the Brooks Scholarship, a renewable award that pays full Holy Cross tuition for four years
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pairs with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional need-based aid up to the cost of attendance. With tuition fully covered, any additional Holy Cross Grant typically shifts toward room, board, and fees.
📄
How to Apply
Submit your regular Holy Cross admission application AND a separate Brooks Music Scholarship application through the Department of Music portal. Required pieces: a music resume, a one-page essay on your goals in music at Holy Cross, two letters of recommendation (one from your private teacher), and either video recordings of two contrasting performance selections or two compositions with scores.
Selection criteria: Music faculty review based on artistic accomplishment, musicianship, fit with the department, and academic record.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
A four-year full-tuition scholarship offered by the Department of Music to a high school senior who will major in music or double-major in music and another discipline. The departmental application process is separate from the regular Holy Cross admission application and includes performance or composition materials, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One outstanding incoming student per year who plans to major or double-major in Music. Music faculty are looking for serious accomplishment in performance or composition combined with strong academics — not generalist applicants who happen to play an instrument.
Full TuitionApp Required
FitzGerald Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Departmental deadline (coordinated by the Classics department alongside admission)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pairs with Holy Cross need-based grants and other institutional aid up to the cost of attendance. Because tuition is fully covered, additional Holy Cross Grant money typically helps with room and board rather than tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Holy Cross for admission and submit Classics department scholarship materials. The Classics faculty considers incoming majors for the FitzGerald award through the same departmental process used for Bean.
Selection criteria: Departmental faculty review focused on classical language preparation, overall academic strength, and fit with the Classics major.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
A four-year full-tuition scholarship awarded to an incoming student who will major in the Classics department. Holy Cross lists it parallel to the Bean Scholarship as a departmental tuition award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: An incoming Classics major with exceptional academic preparation and strong work in Latin and/or Greek — selected by faculty alongside the Bean competition.
App Required
Freije Scholarship in Theatre
📅 Deadline: Departmental deadline — registration through the linked Holy Cross admissions form
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
A half-tuition scholarship that pairs with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional aid in the overall package, with total aid capped at the cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Holy Cross for admission and complete the Freije Scholarship registration through the linked admissions form on the Holy Cross Institutional Scholarships page. Follow the Theatre department's instructions for any additional artistic or supporting materials.
Selection criteria: Competitive review weighing theatrical engagement and accomplishment alongside academic strength and fit with the Theatre program.
💡
Strategic Detail
A four-year, half-tuition scholarship named in honor of Provost and Dean Emerita Margaret Freije. Offered to a high school senior who will major in Theatre or double-major in Theatre and another discipline. Registration is handled through a Holy Cross admissions form linked from the institutional scholarships page; departmental materials may be requested.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A high school senior who will major in Theatre or double-major in Theatre and another discipline, with strong academics and clear evidence of theatrical engagement.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specificservice
Organ Scholarship
📅 Deadline: October 15 (first-round materials); November 15 (regular decision admission application and additional materials)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ Four-year full-tuition award. Offered to an incoming student who must major or double-major in music. Requires extensive chapel service and high-level organ performance. Not offered annually.
👥 ~One Organ Scholar per cycle; the scholarship is offered every other year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pairs with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional aid up to the cost of attendance. Because tuition is fully covered, additional need-based aid typically shifts toward room, board, and fees.
📄
How to Apply
Submit first-round Organ Scholarship materials to the Department of Music by October 15: a video recording demonstrating organ playing across diverse styles (three solos including a major Bach work, two contrasting selections, and a hymn), a high school transcript, senior year course list, and school profile. Apply to Holy Cross by the November 15 regular decision deadline. Semi-finalists submit additional materials by November 15 (CV, statement of purpose up to 1,000 words, paragraph on liturgical experience, three letters of recommendation including one from the organ teacher). Finalists come to campus for a live audition and interview.
Selection criteria: Multi-stage faculty review: preliminary screen of recordings and academic credentials, semi-finalist evaluation of expanded materials, finalist live audition and interview on campus.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
A four-year full-tuition scholarship offered by the Department of Music in collaboration with the Office of the College Chaplains. Offered in alternating fall application cycles. The recipient holds the title of Holy Cross Organ Scholar, plays the four-manual, fifty-stop mechanical action Taylor & Boody organ in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, and is expected to take on significant chapel performance responsibilities throughout the four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A young organist with several years of organ study, strong keyboard and sight-reading skills, real experience playing in liturgical settings, and a clear commitment to church music — chosen to serve as a principal organist at College liturgies and chapel events while majoring or double-majoring in music.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at Holy Cross
Does Holy Cross have a full-ride or leadership flagship scholarship?
No. Holy Cross does not publish or operate a general full-ride or leadership-based flagship scholarship open to all applicants.
Why doesn’t Holy Cross offer large competitive merit programs?
Holy Cross prioritizes meeting full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students rather than allocating funds to a small number of merit-only awards.
Is the Ellis Scholarship a flagship award?
Not in the traditional sense. While it covers full tuition, it is limited to Worcester residents and does not require a separate scholarship application, making it closer to a special automatic award.
If my student is very high-achieving, should we expect a competitive merit scholarship?
Not typically. High-achieving students are more likely to receive strong need-based aid or limited automatic merit rather than a separate competitive scholarship.
Where should families focus instead?
Families should focus on completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile accurately and on time, as this is the primary pathway to substantial aid at Holy Cross.
Sources:
https://www.holycross.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships-grants
https://catalog.holycross.edu/about/financial-aid/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
While Holy Cross does not offer a wide range of lesser-known institutional merit programs,
there are a few high-impact, program-based awards that can significantly reduce costs for the right students.
Automatic
Holy Cross NROTC Scholarship Incentive Grant
📅 Deadline: ROTC timelines apply; awarded when a full NROTC scholarship is confirmed at Holy Cross.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies only to standard on-campus room charges and typically stacks with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Catalog and scholarships page state that students receiving a full NROTC scholarship at Holy Cross also receive a Holy Cross NROTC Scholarship Incentive Grant equal to standard room charges each year, applicable only to on-campus room charges.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who receive and maintain a full four-year NROTC scholarship while enrolled at Holy Cross.
Automatic
Holy Cross ROTC Incentive Grant (Army / Air Force)
📅 Deadline: ROTC timelines apply; awarded when a full four-year Army or Air Force ROTC scholarship is confirmed.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Grant equals standard on-campus room charges each year and typically stacks with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional aid up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Catalog specifies that students receiving full four-year Army or Air Force ROTC Scholarships are eligible for a Holy Cross ROTC Incentive Grant equal to standard room charges each year, applicable only toward on-campus room charges.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Holy Cross students with full four-year Army or Air Force ROTC scholarships taken through the WPI consortium who live in on-campus housing.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at Holy Cross
Why are ROTC grants considered “hidden gems”?
These awards are not widely advertised as scholarships but can eliminate a major portion of housing costs for students already receiving full ROTC tuition scholarships.
Do these grants cover tuition?
No. Tuition is covered by the ROTC scholarship itself. The Holy Cross incentive grants specifically offset on-campus room charges, which can save students thousands of dollars per year.
Is there a separate application for the Holy Cross incentive grants?
No. Students who receive qualifying ROTC scholarships are automatically considered for these institutional incentive grants.
Can ROTC incentive grants stack with Holy Cross need-based aid?
Yes. These grants typically stack with Holy Cross Grants and other institutional aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
Are there other “hidden” departmental scholarships at Holy Cross?
Outside of ROTC-related incentives and a small number of major-specific full-tuition awards covered earlier, Holy Cross does not publish additional undergraduate departmental scholarship programs.
Sources:
https://www.holycross.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships-grants
https://catalog.holycross.edu/about/financial-aid/
🎖 Honors Programs & Opportunities
The College of the Holy Cross does not operate a separate undergraduate Honors College.
Instead, high-achieving students can pursue departmental honors within their major
and may later receive support for prestigious national fellowships and awards.
Important Context
At Holy Cross, honors recognition is typically earned during enrollment through advanced coursework,
faculty mentorship, and thesis or capstone projects — not granted automatically at admission.
Most academic departments offer an Honors track or Honors thesis option for juniors and seniors
who meet GPA and coursework requirements.
These opportunities emphasize research, writing, and close faculty collaboration rather than additional scholarships.
Holy Cross also maintains an Office of Distinguished Fellowships and Graduate Studies,
which supports students applying for highly competitive external awards such as Fulbright, Goldwater,
Marshall, Rhodes, and similar national fellowships.
These awards are funded externally and are not institutional scholarships.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
FAQ — Honors at the College of the Holy Cross
Is there an Honors College at Holy Cross?
No. Holy Cross does not have a centralized Honors College or honors-based housing, advising, or scholarship program.
How do students earn honors recognition?
Students typically qualify through strong academic performance in their major and by completing honors-level coursework,
a thesis, or a capstone project, usually during junior and senior year.
Are there scholarships tied specifically to honors programs?
No. Holy Cross does not award separate scholarships solely for participation in departmental honors programs.
Do honors programs affect financial aid?
No. Participation in honors tracks does not automatically change a student’s financial aid package.
What is the value of honors at Holy Cross?
Honors programs offer academic depth, faculty mentorship, and preparation for graduate school or national fellowships,
rather than direct financial incentives.
Sources:
https://www.holycross.edu/academics/support-resources/awards-honors-fellowships
https://catalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/honors-awards/
⭐ College Specialty
The College of the Holy Cross is a nationally respected Jesuit liberal arts college known for rigorous academics, close faculty mentorship, and strong preparation for graduate school and public-service careers. Families often choose Holy Cross for its small classes and writing-intensive curriculum, but its reputation extends well beyond “general liberal arts” into specific fields where alumni placement and outcomes are consistently strong.
National Reputation:
Liberal Arts & Jesuit Education — Holy Cross is widely regarded as one of the top Jesuit undergraduate institutions in the U.S., known for academic rigor, ethical leadership training, and strong outcomes in law, medicine, public policy, and graduate study.
- Economics & Political Science: Two of Holy Cross’s most popular and well-regarded majors, with strong placement into law school, public policy roles, consulting, and federal service.
- Biology & Pre-Health Pathways: Advising-intensive programs with high medical and health-professional school placement rates relative to class size.
- Psychology: Research-driven undergraduate curriculum that prepares students well for graduate study, counseling, and clinical pathways.
- Writing-Intensive Liberal Arts Core: Emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, and communication skills that employers and graduate programs consistently value.
🔗 Official College of the Holy Cross Links
Use Holy Cross’s official university resources below to verify admissions requirements, financial aid policies,
costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
✨ Wrapping It Up
The College of the Holy Cross is a highly selective private liberal arts college where affordability is driven
far more by need-based institutional aid than by large, competitive merit programs.
While automatic merit scholarships exist, they are limited and awarded to a small subset of admitted students.
Because Holy Cross charges one tuition rate for all students, the biggest differences in what families pay come down to
financial need, timely completion of the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and how institutional grants stack.
For many families, especially those with moderate incomes, Holy Cross’s need-based aid can make a private education surprisingly realistic.
If Holy Cross is on your student’s list, the smartest move isn’t guessing at scholarships —
it’s comparing Holy Cross side-by-side with similar private colleges and understanding
where your student’s academic profile and financial situation unlock the most value.
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