College of the Holy Cross: A Comprehensive Look at History, Academics, and Rankings

Introduction

Established in 1843 by a group of Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross stands as a distinguished Roman Catholic institution. It is the sole Jesuit college in the country to exclusively offer liberal arts courses for undergraduates. Nestled in Worcester, Massachusetts, a city known for its historical significance dating back to the Industrial Revolution, Holy Cross provides a rigorous academic environment coupled with a strong sense of community. This article delves into the history department, academic strengths, rankings, and student life aspects of the College of the Holy Cross.

A Brief History

Founded in 1843, the College of the Holy Cross has a rich history rooted in Jesuit tradition. As the only Jesuit college in the nation dedicated exclusively to undergraduate liberal arts education, it holds a unique position in the landscape of American higher education. Its location in Worcester, approximately 40 miles east of Boston, places it within reach of a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct campus environment.

Academics at Holy Cross

Academics at Holy Cross are known to be rigorous, reflecting the college's commitment to shaping the student as a whole person. The college emphasizes small class sizes and abundant opportunities for science research and internships. The Princeton Review highlights the “countless opportunities to learn through internships, speaker series,” “strong student life,” and “small classes” as representation of the Holy Cross focus on shaping the whole student.

History Department

The History Department at College of the Holy Cross offers a Bachelor’s program with various focus areas. In the most recent academic year, 58% of history bachelor's degrees were awarded to men, while 42% went to women. The majority of students in this major are white.

Tuition and Fees

For the academic year 2022-2023, part-time undergraduates at Holy Cross paid an average of $1,876 per credit hour. The average full-time tuition and fees are as follows:

Tuition: $60,050 (In-State and Out-of-State)
Fees: $800 (In-State and Out-of-State)
Books and Supplies: $1,000
On-Campus Room and Board: $17,750
On-Campus Other Expenses: $900

Academic Strengths

Holy Cross is particularly noted for its commitment to providing students with a broad-based foundation for success in a variety of careers. A student noted, “Holy Cross equips their students with an intangible set of skills that not only prepares them for a job, but for life.” The college's Career Planning Office, through its annual fall career fair and the “Crusader Connections” portal, helps students connect with employers. The Career Advisor Network also facilitates networking with alumni.

Economics and psychology are popular subjects at CHC, with as much as 30% of the student body sometimes majoring in one or the other.

Rankings and Recognition

The College of the Holy Cross consistently receives high rankings and accolades from various college guides and ranking organizations.

Princeton Review: The College of the Holy Cross is recognized as one of the country’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review’s annual college guide. Holy Cross received an average score of 93.
U.S. News & World Report: In the edition of Best Colleges, College of the Holy Cross is ranked No. 27 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. It's also ranked No. 18 in Lowest Acceptance Rates.

These rankings reflect the college's strong academics, accessible professors, and focus on student development.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Outside of the classroom, students at Holy Cross experience a strong sense of community. The college offers a plethora of community service opportunities and numerous campus clubs and organizations, with most students actively participating in extracurricular activities.

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Student Body

Students at College of the Holy Cross are described as "studious with an activity or two that defines their interests and what they do during the weekend." They are also "very put together" and "generally articulate," with "a diverse set of interests" that range from ballroom dance to space exploration. It is rare "to find someone with no extracurricular responsibilities." Because each study cluster lives together, "many of the friends you make your first year will stay with you for years to come," and 88 percent of students remain on the "exceptionally beautiful" campus after their mandatory first year.

Extracurricular Activities

Holy Cross offers a multitude of more than 100 student organizations ranging from academic to the arts, the largest being the Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), which organizes community service programs in the surrounding area and nationwide.

Career Opportunities

Holy Cross graduates have access to a fantastic network of alumni who are very active on campus. The college provides a broad-based foundation to be successful in a variety of careers and gives students an intangible set of skills that not only prepares them for a job, but for life. Of those Holy Cross graduates who visited PayScale.com, 45 percent said they felt their job had a meaningful impact on the world.

Admission and Financial Aid

College of the Holy Cross has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,127 (fall 2024), its setting is city, and the campus size is 174 acres. The student-faculty ratio at College of the Holy Cross is 9:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. College of the Holy Cross accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's tuition and fees are $68,090. Forty-five percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $39,310. The four-year graduation rate is 85%.

Campus and Location

The College of the Holy Cross is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a city with a rich history. Worcester is famed for its many old-fashioned diners which are prominent across the city. It is around 40 miles east of Boston - the only larger city in the whole of New England - and under 20 miles north of the state’s frontiers with Connecticut and Rhode Island. Logan International Airport in Boston is a 1-hour drive from campus.

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