What is College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate?

College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate is 18%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for College of the Holy Cross?

Admitted students typically score about 1260–1430 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 30–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is College of the Holy Cross test-optional?

College of the Holy Cross's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

College of the Holy Cross Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (18%)

18%

Acceptance rate

1260–1430

SAT (mid 50%)

30–33

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into College of the Holy Cross?

With a 18% acceptance rate, College of the Holy Cross is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 3,106 undergraduates (suburban setting) in Worcester, MA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1260–1430 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 30–33.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at College of the Holy Cross's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $63,650 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Economics · Psychology · Biology · Political Science

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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College of the Holy Cross admissions FAQ

What is College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate?: College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate is 18%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for College of the Holy Cross?: Admitted students typically score about 1260–1430 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 30–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is College of the Holy Cross test-optional?: College of the Holy Cross's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

College of the Holy Cross official website
College of the Holy Cross on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on College of the Holy Cross’s official admissions site.