College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross is a selective, liberal arts institution with a focus on discovery. Students are encouraged to explore their talents and intellectual capabilities, while applying their skills to improve the local and global communities.
Get to know College of the Holy Cross
GATEWAYS FALL ORIENTATION
Gateways Fall Orientation is an orientation session that starts on move-in day. Students are enthusiastically welcomed to campus through a series of community-building activities and information meetings. Gateways Fall Orientation is a crucial part of the undergraduate experience. In so many cases, students are nervous to leave their families for the first time. Gateways Fall Orientation eases that transition by getting students excited about the upcoming year.
WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM
Students have the option to participate in the Washington Semester, a highly competitive program that connects students from all disciplines to professional experiences. The Washington Semester program is incredibly beneficial. Students gain hands-on experience while learning how to connect their studies to real-world situations.
The program has three components: a seminar, an internship, and research. Students are required to complete all sections of the program. The seminar is a useful resource, pushing students to critically analyze their experience and tie their discipline to their work. The internship provides hands-on learning, which is a valuable experience to all employers. Finally, the research project is completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor. By the end of the program, students will have finished an entire thesis.
Semester Away allows students to expand upon their discipline by studying through another institution. This is a great opportunity for students to experience another school’s programs, culture, and social life. In the past, students have studied through institutions like New York University, Boston University, and Union College.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 3%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 72%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 4%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3%
THE CENTER FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies is an awesome way for students and faculty to explore their interests across a wide range of disciplines. Students can work with faculty to design their own major/minor multidisciplinary program. This is a great way for students with varying interests to combine programs and pave a while new path. Students can also participate in off-campus, collaborative programs such as Washington Semester Program, Academic Internship, and the Semester Away Program.
Montserrat is the First-Year Experience at College of Holy Cross. The name refers to a mountain and symbolizes a student’s upward academic and personal journey. Montserrat invites each student to act as an engaging and lively member of the intellectual community. Students will explore a broad range of topics that span over several disciplines, and they will learn to become thoughtful in their approach. They will ask questions and contribute to class discussion. Montserrat pushes students to pursue their own journeys of intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
- The Cluster: The Cluster is a component of Montserrat that organizes students into one of six groups, based on an interdisciplinary theme. Under the direction of faculty, cluster groups come together throughout the year to engage in common texts, topics, and activities. Cluster-wide activities draw connections between disciplines and can be super fun events. In the past, some of the cluster-wide activities have included trips to museums, hiking a mountain, or seeing a theatrical performance.
- Living with the Cluster: Each cluster will live together in a residence hall. This is meant to encourage learning outside the classroom, as well as provide a structure of support. The different clusters include: Contemporary Challenges, Core Human Questions, Divine, Global Society, Natural World, and Self.
ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Academic Internship Program is open to all third and fourth year students. Participants must complete both components of the program, which includes fieldwork and a seminar. With regards to field work, students must spend 8 hours a week on the job. Beyond this, students must dedicate 3-4 hours a week on their seminar and related academic work. Almost 25% of students participate in the Academic Internship Program.
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 640 | 75th Percentile: 710
25th Percentile: 650 | 75th Percentile: 720
25th Percentile: 29 | 75th Percentile: 32
25th Percentile: 26 | 75th Percentile: 30
25th Percentile: 29 | 75th Percentile: 35
Tuition & Cost