The College of the Holy Cross, a prestigious liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, is known for its selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Holy Cross reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 36.0%, reflecting a competitive applicant pool. This selectivity is influenced by factors such as a growing number of applications in recent years, the college’s strong academic reputation, and its commitment to a holistic review process. Fortunately, Holy Cross provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and Common Data Set reports, offering prospective students reliable insights into their chances of admission. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, applicants are encouraged to visit the Holy Cross Admissions page.
Over the past decade, Holy Cross has seen a trend of increasing competitiveness, with acceptance rates declining from around 43% in the early 2010s to the current 36%. The rise in early decision applications has contributed to this trend, as the college fills a significant portion of its class through binding commitments. Additionally, international student admissions remain competitive, bolstered by Holy Cross’s Jesuit values and global perspective. Compared to peer institutions like Colgate University or Lafayette College, Holy Cross maintains a similar level of selectivity, positioning it as a top choice among liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. As application numbers continue to rise, prospective students should focus on strong academic profiles and meaningful extracurriculars to stand out in this selective process.
