College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, Massachusetts · Private
College of the Holy Cross admitted 21% of 8,670 applicants (Common Data Set 2023-2024). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1270–1420 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 90% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at College of the Holy Cross
Enter a score to see whether College of the Holy Cross is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (21%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
College of the Holy Cross’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $65, and College of the Holy Cross accepts the Common App fee waiver. College of the Holy Cross asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check College of the Holy Cross’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 67% (511 of 761), compared with 21% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
3,700 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,572 took it, and 42 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How College of the Holy Cross rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Character
Important
- Activities
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religion
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- –
What it costs
Full price with housing is $80,500 a year. After grants, students paid $35,455 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is College of the Holy Cross’s acceptance rate?
College of the Holy Cross admitted 21% of applicants: 1,829 of 8,670 (Common Data Set 2023-2024).
When is College of the Holy Cross’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for College of the Holy Cross?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1270 to 1420, with a median around 1340. A score at or above 1340 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is College of the Holy Cross’s application fee?
The application fee is $65 for 2026–27, and College of the Holy Cross accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does College of the Holy Cross require?
Besides the application and transcript, College of the Holy Cross asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does College of the Holy Cross have supplemental essays?
No. College of the Holy Cross has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does College of the Holy Cross require the CSS Profile?
Yes. College of the Holy Cross uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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