The College of the Holy Cross is a prestigious Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, known for its strong pre-law and pre-med pipelines and commitment to the liberal arts in the Jesuit intellectual tradition. Its close-knit campus community and emphasis on service and ethical leadership produce graduates well-prepared for careers in law, medicine, and public service.
Mascot: Crusader
Notable Alumni
Bob Cousy (NBA legend)•Edward P. Jones (Pulitzer Prize-winning author)•Tom Heinsohn (NBA Hall of Famer)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Holy Cross has no Greek life (standard for Jesuit schools), but the 'work hard, play hard' culture is alive and well — off-campus houses and Worcester bars fill the Greek void, with Saturday day parties being a beloved institution. The Jesuit identity shapes the academic culture through an emphasis on service and whole-person education, and the tight-knit 3,000-student community means your reputation follows you.
A dramatic hilltop campus overlooking Worcester with commanding views, anchored by the striking Romanesque Fenwick Hall and O'Kane Hall, with terraced grounds and a collegiate Gothic atmosphere.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Full-time, academy-trained police officers patrol 24/7 with sworn law enforcement powers. The hilltop campus provides natural separation from the city.
Worcester has elevated crime rates for a New England city. The College Hill area around Holy Cross is safer than downtown, but urban awareness is important.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Most weekdays at 10:00am and 2:00pm year-round, with breaks during school holidays
Duration: ~60 minutes information session + campus tour
Info session followed by student-led tour. When classes are in session, visitors receive a complimentary meal in Siegfried Dining Hall. Fall Day Visits let seniors shadow a current student for a full day.
Book a TourThe hilltop campus ('The Hill') offers stunning views and is walkable independently. The Prior Performing Arts Center (84,000 sq ft) and campus chapels are open to visitors.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-November for active campus and New England fall colors on The Hill. April for admitted student events. Football games and Homecoming weekend bring maximum energy. Avoid January-February and summer when Worcester can be quiet.
Free visitor parking on campus. Worcester is 45 minutes west of Boston via I-90 (Mass Pike). Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) has limited flights; Boston Logan (BOS) is the main hub (~60 min drive). MBTA Commuter Rail runs from Boston South Station to Worcester Union Station, then taxi/rideshare to campus (10 min).
Location
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