Acceptance Rate
75%
Avg. SAT
1373
75th percentile
“Small Catholic liberal arts college tucked next to Notre Dame, offering tight-knit community and Fighting Irish perks.”
Notre Dame, IN
Location
Holy Cross College traces its roots to 1966, when the Congregation of Holy Cross established it on land adjacent to the University of Notre Dame to provide affordable Catholic higher education. Originally a men's college, it welcomed women in 2001 and now enrolls about 500 undergraduates in a residential setting. Students who thrive here seek a faith-centered environment with personal attention from professors and a sense of purpose through service; those wanting vast course options or big-city energy might feel constrained by the scale. The campus personality revolves around Jesuit-inspired values of community and leadership, fostering close bonds in a compact space. South Bend offers a classic college town feel with affordable living, though Midwest winters bring heavy snow and cold that test everyone's resolve.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
With around 500 undergrads, Holy Cross delivers small classes where professors know your name and weave faith into discussions on business, biology, psychology, and theology. You'll tackle a core curriculum heavy on philosophy, ethics, and Catholic thought before diving into one of roughly 15 majors, often with hands-on projects or internships. Research opportunities exist through faculty-guided work, but the scale limits large-scale labs compared to nearby Notre Dame. Cross-registration for some Notre Dame courses expands options, though popular slots fill quickly. Tradeoffs include fewer specialized programs and occasional scheduling conflicts due to the intimate size.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
661 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
50%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
29%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
14%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
Campus life pulses with daily Masses, service retreats, and easy access to Notre Dame's legendary football games and rec facilities, creating a vibrant yet contained social scene. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings, and dorm hangouts, with weekends featuring on-campus events or trips to Chicago two hours away. All students live on campus all four years in close-knit residence halls that build lasting friendships. The party scene stays low-key and faith-respecting, prioritizing community over wild nights. Cold weather keeps many indoors during winter, but the proximity to Notre Dame's energy offsets the quieter vibe.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$13,662
$30K – $48K
$12,017
$48K – $75K
$18,718
$75K – $110K
$18,514
$110K+
$33,423
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
70%
4 Years Graduation Rate
39%
6 Years Graduation Rate
41%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$50,416
70% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Holy Cross College and return in the fall. 39% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 41% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
39%
4-6 years
2%
Non-grad
59%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$33,500
Acceptance
75%
Undergrads
661
4-Year Grad Rate
39%
Endowment
$6M
Notre Dame, IN 46556-0308
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