College of the Holy Cross: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1400 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 31 |
| Location | MA |
| School type | Private |
College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts. With a 32% acceptance rate, it is selective and draws a strong applicant pool from across the country. The school has a clear academic and values-driven identity that shapes what it looks for in students.
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A 32% acceptance rate means that Holy Cross admits roughly one in three applicants. That puts it in the selective category, where strong grades and test scores are expected but not enough on their own. The school is looking for students who fit the Jesuit educational tradition, which emphasizes intellectual rigor and service to others.
Because Holy Cross is a small school, the community feel matters to them in admissions. They want students who will be genuinely engaged, not just academically capable. That gives personal qualities real weight in the process.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at the 75th percentile scored 1400 on the SAT and 31 on the ACT. Scores in that range signal that you can handle the academic pace at Holy Cross. The college has offered test-optional review in recent cycles, so if standardized tests have not gone your way, check the current policy and consider whether your other application materials make a strong case on their own.
What College of the Holy Cross looks for
Holy Cross expects students to have taken a rigorous course load in high school, with strong performance across multiple subjects. Given its Jesuit mission, the school also values students who have shown a commitment to community, whether through service, leadership, or involvement in causes they care about. Your essays carry a lot of weight here. Be honest and specific about who you are and why Holy Cross fits your goals.
Estimate your chances at College of the Holy Cross
If you want a quick read on where you stand, the free CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com will give you a personalized estimate based on your GPA, scores, and activities. It is a helpful tool for figuring out whether Holy Cross is a realistic target or a stretch on your list.
Frequently asked questions
What is College of the Holy Cross's acceptance rate?
College of the Holy Cross accepts about 32% of applicants. It is a selective school, though not in the extremely low-acceptance tier.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for College of the Holy Cross?
The SAT 75th percentile is 1400 and the ACT 75th percentile is 31. Those are the benchmarks for the upper range of admitted students.
Is College of the Holy Cross hard to get into?
Yes, it is competitive. Most applicants are not admitted, and the school looks closely at both academic strength and personal fit with its mission.
See your real odds at College of the Holy Cross
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.