The only Jesuit Catholic college in the country to offer an exclusively undergraduate liberal
arts education, Holy Cross enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the preeminent
schools in the United States. Small class sizes, devoted faculty members, and a challenging curriculum
have made the college an increasingly popular choice for many top-notch high school
students. Others are attracted to the beautiful campus, active student body, and friendly
living/learning environment. Whatever their reasons for choosing Holy Cross, few students are disappointed when they arrive, as evidenced by the school’s ninety-five percent freshman
retention rate and overwhelmingly positive student satisfaction statistics.
Holy Cross has grown in both size and stature since it was established in 1843 as an academic
community where the Jesuit ideals of educational integrity and social justice could flourish
among its male students and faculty. Founded by Benedict Joseph Fenwick, the second
bishop of Boston, the school originally comprised only one wooden building and a half-finished
brick structure on a hill overlooking the largely unsettled town of Worcester,
Massachusetts. There was little evidence to suggest that such a prominent college would eventually
arise from this undeveloped setting.
Coeducational since 1972, the college is today home to around 2,800 young men and
women and the campus is widely recognized as one of the most impressive in the country.
Driving through the black, wrought-iron gates that form the entrance to Linden Lane, the treelined
passageway that leads through the Holy Cross campus, visitors are immediately struck by
the school’s beautiful architecture and perfectly manicured grounds, which are spread over 174
acres. Ivy-covered residence halls and open green spaces are intermixed with technologically
advanced academic buildings and state-of-the-art athletic facilities. There are three wellendowed
libraries, two multi-sport recreational facilities, a recently renovated campus center,
and a comprehensive art complex. Completed in 2001, Smith Hall, located in the center of the
campus, is the home of the college’s Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture, as well as the philosophy
and religious studies departments, the Center for Interdisciplinary Special Studies,
information technology services, and the registrar’s office. The Center’s primary public space is
the two-story Rehm Library, which provides space for hospitality, lectures and events, quiet
space for reading and reflection, and enhanced library resources on religion and spirituality.
With its outdoor sculptures and idyllic flower gardens, the award-winning campus is both peaceful
and picturesque. Few who visit the school are disappointed by its physical surroundings.
Perhaps more impressive than the campus, however, are the strong traditions and deep
loyalties that have taken root here for many generations. Each year, young men and women
from all over the country come to Holy Cross to participate in a vibrant academic and residential
community where the Jesuits’ founding principles continue to flourish. These students
experience an educational environment where intelligent dialogue is encouraged and scholarly
exploration is rewarded. Along the way, they become part of a close-knit social atmosphere
where lifelong friendships are fostered. Holy Cross graduates carry these meaningful lessons
and experiences with them by continuing to seek ways to integrate their faith, their lives, and
their value-centered education.
Holy Cross offers a superior values-centered, liberal
arts education in the Jesuit tradition. Students here
are bright, accomplished, and highly motivated. They
are also excited by the diverse academic and social
options that are available to them during their four
years at the college. Many will take advantage of the
opportunity to explore new interests and cultivate hidden
talents. Some will discover that faith and spirtuality
mean much more than simply attending mass.
Through their active participation in the intellectual,
social, and spiritual life of the college, these
students will receive a challenging and well-rounded education that provides a firm foundation
for successful careers and productive lives. Along the way, they will also gain many
wonderful experiences and loyal friendships that they will carry with them for the rest of
their lives.
At the end of four years on campus, most will recall with great fondness their education
on Mount Saint James. Like thousands who came before them, these students will
recognize and appreciate the lessons that were learned and the values that were formed as
a result of their experiences at Holy Cross.
College of the Holy Cross
Academics
The academic atmosphere at H.C. is one of cooperation rather than cutthroat competition.
Although some have complained that As are becoming increasingly scarce and, therefore,
more highly coveted, most students are quick to assist their fellow classmates who are
struggling with a concept. During exam periods, it is not uncommon to see large study groups
congregating in Dinand Library’s social lounge (often referred to as the Blue Room) or classmates
sharing ideas in the Hogan Campus Center. As one premed student pointed out:
The great thing about the sciences at Holy Cross is that they are not as
competitive as you might find at other colleges. Instead of competing with each
other, we work as groups and encourage one another to do well. There is a real
sense of teamwork among the students here. The professors also contribute to this
environment by always being there for anyone who is seeking further elaboration
on a lesson or an answer to a question.
Faculty
The Holy Cross faculty receives high marks from the student body. Recent surveys reveal
that students find their professors to be both very intelligent and highly accessible,
traits not often shared in today’s academic world where scholars face increasing pressure
to conduct research and publish regularly. While scheduled office hours for student visits
are required by the college, most professors maintain an open-door policy and encourage
their students to drop in frequently throughout the semester. Furthermore, it is not uncommon
to hear of a professor holding class in his or her living room over wine and cheese or
a home-cooked meal. Such hospitality is not lost on the students, who appreciate the opportunity
to get to know their instructors outside the classroom and get away from the cafeteria
for an evening. Just as it is a love of teaching that leads most faculty members to the
college, it is this informal sharing of knowledge and ideas that makes H.C. so appealing to
its students. As one senior commented:
I truly appreciate the philosophy of education at Holy Cross. My professors
are more like friends. It’s a shared intellectual atmosphere, and that is what
makes this school such a great place to learn. It’s not just learning for the sake of
learning—it’s learning for the sake of applying knowledge.
Common Requirements
This mature and open-minded attitude toward learning is the cornerstone of a liberal
arts education. Though there is no core curriculum or specific set of classes required
by the school, students must fulfill flexible common requirements entailing the selection of
ten courses from nine areas of study:
The Arts, Language and Literature (one course in each)
Religious and Philosophical Studies (one course in each)
Historical Studies (one course)
Cross-Cultural Studies (one course)
Social Science (two courses)
Natural and Mathematical Sciences (two courses, one of which must be a naturial science)
Language Studies (two courses in a language other than the one in which they possess
native fluency)
Within this academic framework, students are encouraged to take classes that will both
interest and challenge them. The curriculum trains students to think critically and independently,
write succinctly and cogently, and communicate effectively. Holy Cross recognizes that
these fundamental skills will provide graduates an educational foundation that is necessary to
build successful careers in nearly any occupation.
One of the strengths of a liberal arts education is that it helps you to tie
together fields as diverse as the classics and mathematics. It connects certain
themes through all subjects of study and all themes of life. Many things seem to
coincide. It’s nice to step back every once in a while and look at the big picture,
which is what an education like this enables you to do. I can go to law school,
medical school, or become an engineer. Holy Cross really has provided me with
many options and has expanded my intellectual capabilities.
Students take four courses a semester, which does not seem too overwhelming until one
considers the weighty reading list that usually accompanies each class syllabus. Athough students
may spend fewer than fifteen hours a week in class, they are expected to do a great deal
of reading and learning outside the classroom. While some majors (English, history, political
science) are definitely more “reading/writing intensive” than others, it is not uncommon to
hear of economics professors using seven or eight texts in a semester. As a result, most Holy
Cross students either develop strong time-management skills early on or become very accustomed
to pulling “all-nighters.”
Classes
With class sizes that average fewer than twenty students and many with fewer than fifteen,
professors are able to offer their students highly personalized instruction and
individual attention. In return, students are usually expected to not only show up for class,
but to come prepared to discuss that day’s topic in some detail. Upper-level seminars are
particularly interactive, with professors often only facilitating the exchange of well-developed
student commentary. Students rarely complain about H.C.’s faculty or curriculum,
except to lament the lack of “gut” courses that might be taken to enhance one’s GPA.
Research Projects and Internships
The faculty and administration grant a high level of academic autonomy to those students
who are seeking opportunities to learn outside the classroom. By their junior
year, many students are collaborating with H.C. professors on extensive research projects
that are often presented at national symposia or in academic journals. Others gain valuable
work experiences through school-sponsored internships that are offered either locally or in
Washington, D.C. Additionally, each year more than 140 students study abroad and immerse
themselves in the cultures and traditions of foreign lands.
Computers
In recent years, the administration has made a significant effort to enhance the school’s
technological capabilities by implementing new state-of-the-art information systems in
the classrooms, libraries, and residence halls. As a result, there are now more than 4,000
locations on campus offering fully networked computer hookups.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at College of the Holy Cross.
In recent years, Holy Cross annually receives applications from more than 7,000 students
who are competing for only 700 places in the first-year class. Though the Admissions
Committee considers many factors before making its decision, those students who demonstrate
a pattern of superior academic performance in high school do a great deal to improve
their chances of gaining acceptance to the college. This is confirmed by the fact that nearly all
of the entering students graduated in the top twenty percent of their high school class and an
overwhelming majority come with Advanced Placement or honors coursework on their transcripts.
In recent years, the average SAT I score has exceeded 1280 (based on 1600), though
few on campus consider this statistic a meaningful measure of success in either the admissions
process or the school’s curriculum.
Besides a high level of academic achievement, other characteristics that have been
identified as common among those students offered admission to Holy Cross are an openness
to different veiwpoints and ideas, a willingness to become engaged in the life of the college outside
the classroom, a desire to grow not only intellectually, but socially and spiritually as well,
and a commitment to helping others, both within the college community and beyond.
Unlike larger schools that rely on formulaic methods to make admissions decisions, the
admissions staff at Holy Cross tries to remain focused on each individual and his or her unique
talents. Before going through “committee,” where the final decision is made, each application
is read by at least two (and sometimes three) staff members who try to determine how well the
applicant utilized the academic and extracurricular resources available in his or her high
school. In this way, the team hopes to identify those students who will not only excel academically,
but who will also make positive contributions to the vibrant intellectual, social, and spiritual
life of the campus.
Requirements
Since 2005, submission of standardized text scores (SAT or ACT) is optional. In addition,
prospective students are asked to write an essay on a question chosen by the Admissions
Committee. Interviews, while not required, are highly recommended and should be considered
an excellent opportunity to share additional insights about one’s personality.
Early Decision
For those who have made Holy Cross their first choice, the school recommends applying
Early Decision, which allows the Admissions Committee to spend more time reading
the application and getting to know the student. An additional advantage of this option is
the convenience of hearing a decision within three or four weeks of the school’s receipt of
all required application materials. One should be aware, however, that Early Decision applications
are binding and therefore require accepted students to immediately withdraw all
pending applications at other colleges.
Children of Alumni
Recognizing that there is no greater compliment paid to a college than an alumnus/a
who wishes to send a son or daughter to his or her alma mater, Holy Cross does give
special consideration to those children of alumni who are seeking admission to the school.
The fact that more than ten percent of the student body qualify as such legacies offers testimony
to the loyalty of Holy Cross graduates.
Minority Students
While the college has been home to a distinguished and proud list of minority alumni
including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and James Healy, the
Church’s first African-American Bishop—recruitment of ALANA (African-American, Latin
American, Asian-American, and Native American) continues to be a challenge. The faculty,
administration, and students support the notion that increasing diversity is a college-wide
issue, and the responsibility of all members of the community. This collaborative effort has
had a positive effect on the college’s ability to enroll greater diversity. Seventeen percent
of the Class of 2010 are ALANA students, compared to thirteen percent five years ago.
Financial Aid
Tuition, room, and board fees total around $45,000; the cost of attending the college, however,
should not deter anyone from applying. The college has a comprehensive financial aid program,
with more than fifty-seven percent of the student body receiving some form of assistance.
Holy Cross makes every attempt to meet the demonstrated financial need of every admitted
applicant through a mix of scholarships, work-study, and loans.
To apply for assistance, an incoming student must indicate on the admissions application
that he or she would like to be considered for Holy Cross financial aid. Also, a student must
file both a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) and register with the
College Scholarship Service by filing a PROFILE document to be considered for both Federal
Student Assistance and Holy Cross scholarships. The Financial Aid Form must be submitted as
soon after January 1 as possible, and no later than February 1.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
College of the Holy Cross 3869th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Massachusetts scholarships and financial aid
Although a heavy workload keeps most Holy Cross students fairly occupied, evenings and
weekends serve as a welcome opportunity to relax, catch up with friends, and explore
Worcester. Crossroads Grill offers great food and free on-campus musical entertainment until
2:00 A.M. For those who are of age, the Pub provides a convenient and comfortable place to
catch the latest sporting event or enjoy a beer with friends. Students display their purple pride
at the Hart Center, where they cheer on the Crusaders in Division 1 Basketball and Hockey.
Following the game, students migrate to Caro Street for a celebration at any of the several off-campus
apartments. Fortunately, a mature and laid-back attitude toward drinking prevails at
the school and few students report pressure to imbibe from their peers. When not on campus,
students can be found dining in the fine eateries of Worcester’s Italian section or exploring the
night life downtown.
Dances and Shows
Holy Cross offers numerous social or entertainment options for almost any personality.
Throughout the year, each dorm class sponsors a semiformal dance. Also well attended
are the student-produced theater productions, popular concert performances, and standup
comedy acts that are regularly sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. Those looking
for something a little quieter (or cheaper) often decide to take in a show at the on-campus
Kimball Theater where first-run movies can still be seen for free.
Whether tailgating at home football games or just going out for pizza and a movie, Holy
Cross students tend to socialize in large groups. With everyone taking a diverse courseload and
most participating in multiple extracurricular activities, acquaintances are made easily and
friendships forged quickly.
Off Campus
If one is in need of a change of scenery, the school’s central New England location offers
plenty of convenient day trips and adventurous outdoor excursions. Boston, with its
excellent shopping and diverse cultural opportunities, is less than an hour away. Free bus
service is provided from the college on weekend evenings. The beautiful beaches and
quaint villages of Cape Cod offer another popular weekend escape for those who are feeling
land-locked in Worcester. For those hoping to become one with nature, there is exciting
skiing, challenging rock climbing, and excellent camping, all within short driving distance
from campus.
Giving to the Community
Holy Cross students also find time to give something back to their neighbors in the
Worcester community. Having heard the Jesuit mantra “Men and Women for Others”
numerous times while at Mass or on retreat, students recognize the moral obligations inherent
in a values-based education. More than thirty percent of the student body routinely volunteers
time to those who are less fortunate. Most choose to do such work through Student
Programs for Urban Development, an umbrella organization composed of twenty-five student-
run outreach activities. As the largest extracurricular club on campus, with more than
350 participants, SPUD offers students the opportunity to serve food to the homeless, tutor
in the public schools, visit the elderly, or counsel domestic violence victims. Moved by these
experiences and the lives that they have touched, many participants choose to spend their
spring breaks working on Appalachian service projects building homes for the poor.
Faith
Students actively contribute to the faith life of the college community. Though attendance
at mass is no longer required as it was years ago, about half of the students choose to
regularly attend the on-campus liturgies. The Jesuit priests and lay chaplains recognize the
integral role that spirituality plays in a Holy Cross education and they typically deliver inspiring
and thought-provoking homilies on topics or issues that resonate with young adults. As a
result, it is not uncommon to see nearly the entire library empty out on Sunday evening as
students attend the two crowded Sunday evening services. Also popular are the five-day
silent retreats known as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which are led twice a semester
by the chaplain’s office. Many consider this week of solitude, prayer, and reflection to be
among the most meaningful and rewarding experiences offered at the college.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at College of the Holy Cross?
Holy Cross athletics have regained headlines in recent years. Since 2002, the field hockey,
women’s soccer, men’s ice hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball teams have all
appeared in the NCAA Tournament. The men’s and women’s basketball teams captured
national attention when they both made appearances in the tournament’s round of sixty-four
teams in 2007. There is a long and proud tradition of sports at Holy Cross. Many older alumni
remember earlier decades when eventual NBA legends Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinson
achieved tremendous success on the basketball court and helped the school win an NCAA
championship in 1947. Others recall the Crusader football teams that dominated the college
gridiron in the 1980s behind the offensive and defensive play of two-time All-American
Gordie Lockbaum, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in both his junior and senior years.
Most of the college’s twenty-seven varsity teams maintain strong winning traditions and
loyal student followings in spite of being one of the smallest schools to compete at the Division
I level. With nearly twenty-five percent of Holy Cross students participating in NCAA intercollegiate
athletics, and many more participating in intramural competition, there are usually
plenty of sports fans in the stands cheering their friends to victory.
Alumni
Holy Cross students are frequently asked, “So what exactly do you do with a liberal
arts degree?” An appropriate response to this question might be, “What can’t you do with
such an education?” A glance at the school’s list of alumni reveals success in a diverse
range of occupations.
Law, medicine, and business are the most common professions pursued after graduation.
The college’s science program maintains an excellent reputation among medical
schools, which accept H.C. graduates at a rate of eighty-two percent, or nearly twice the
national average.
Having enjoyed their time spent in service to others, many students choose to continue
their social service work in a full-time capacity after graduation. Of the nation’s
twenty-eight Jesuit colleges and universities, Holy Cross consistently sends the highest
number of students to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, a year-long postgraduate
national service program. Many graduates also go on to volunteer through other organizations
such as the Peace Corps, VISTA, and Teach for America.
By any measure, Holy Cross alumni are among the most loyal of any college in the
country. They are also very generous with alumni participation in the school’s annual fundraising
campaign, routinely placing it among the nation’s top twenty undergraduate institutions.
Another way in which they express their love for their alma mater is with the
professional assistance they provide through the
extensive alumni network. The school’s Career
Placement Office routinely puts both young and old
job seekers in touch with fellow alumni who can offer
guidance on a possible field or even identify specific
employment opportunities. Their connection to Holy
Cross has proven to be an invaluable resource for
many alumni.
Prominent Grads
Robert J. Cousy ’50 Retired Boston Celtics basketball player and professional basketball coach
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. ’62 Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Billy Collins ’63 U.S. poet laureate, 2001–2003
Robert C. Wright ’65 President and CEO, NBC
Hon. Clarence Thomas ’71 Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
Edward P. Jones, ’72 2004 Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Known Word
John J. “Jack” HIggins ’76 Editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Sun Times, winner of a Pultizer Prize in 1989
Mary Agnes Wilderotter ’77 President and CEO, Citizens Communications
Mary G. Berner ’81 President and CEO, Reader’s Digest Association
Faculty
The Holy Cross faculty receives high marks from the student body. Recent surveys reveal
that students find their professors to be both very intelligent and highly accessible,
traits not often shared in today’s academic world where scholars face increasing pressure
to conduct research and publish regularly. While scheduled office hours for student visits
are required by the college, most professors maintain an open-door policy and encourage
their students to drop in frequently throughout the semester. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to hear of a professor holding class in his or her living room over wine and cheese or
a home-cooked meal. Such hospitality is not lost on the students, who appreciate the opportunity to get to know their instructors outside the classroom and get away from the cafeteria for an evening. Just as it is a love of teaching that leads most faculty members to the
college, it is this informal sharing of knowledge and ideas that makes H.C. so appealing to
its students. As one senior commented:
I truly appreciate the philosophy of education at Holy Cross. My professors
are more like friends. It’s a shared intellectual atmosphere, and that is what
makes this school such a great place to learn. It’s not just learning for the sake of
learning—it’s learning for the sake of applying knowledge.
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Worcester, MA 01610-2395
Surrounding community
Midsize city (inside urban area, pop. between 100,000 to 250,000)
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Worcester, MA 01610-2395
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