Organizer Information
College of the Holy Cross is a private, Jesuit and Catholic liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1843. The institution is exclusively undergraduate and offers a liberal arts curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: College of the Holy Cross
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Film Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts
- Relevant Programs: Art History; Studio Art; Architectural Studies; Film Studies; related minors in Art History, Studio Art and Architectural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Deadline: Early Decision I — 15 November; Early Decision II — 15 January; Regular Decision — 15 January
- Start of Studies: 25 August 2026
- Application Fee: $65
- Tuition: $70,220 for 2026–2027
- Funding: Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships are available.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Holy Cross offers undergraduate study in Art History, Studio Art, Architectural Studies and Film Studies. The Department of Visual Arts includes Art History, Studio Art and Architectural Studies, while Film Studies is offered through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Studio Art encompasses Digital Media, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture. Film Studies includes courses in American and world cinema, film history, film analysis, directing and photography.
- Students enter Holy Cross without declaring a major and can explore disciplines before choosing their field of study.
General Eligibility
- Holy Cross accepts first-year and transfer applicants, including international applicants. International students may apply through Early Decision or Regular Decision.
- The institution's undergraduate admissions requirements are not tied to a specific intended major. First-year applicants submit the general undergraduate application, while majors are selected after enrollment.
- International applicants must also provide the financial documentation required by Holy Cross, including the Certification of Finances and a bank letter, bank statement or financial affidavit.
Language Requirements
International applicants who are not native English speakers and who did not attend an English-speaking high school must submit one of the following:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Holy Cross states that its most competitive applicants score 100+ on TOEFL, 7+ on IELTS or 120 on DET. These figures are presented by the College as competitive scores rather than stated minimum admission thresholds.
Application Fee
| Applicant Type | Application Fee | Fee Waivers |
|---|---|---|
| First-year applicants | $65 | Available under specified eligibility criteria |
Holy Cross lists fee waivers for qualifying applicants, including certain Common Application and Coalition Application fee-waiver categories and several institution-specific circumstances.
Tuition
| Academic Year | Tuition | Standard Housing | Resident Food Plan | Health Service Fee | Activity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026–2027 | $70,220 | $11,500 | $9,090 | $470 | $460 |
The listed total for tuition, standard housing and the resident food plan is $91,740 for 2026–2027. Without housing and the food plan, the listed tuition and fees total is $71,150. Visual Arts fees and laboratory fees are billed separately when applicable.
Student health insurance is listed at $2,921 for the 2026–2027 academic year; eligible students may waive the College plan by meeting the required conditions.
Funding & Financial Support
- Holy Cross states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need at the time of admission for accepted students. The College offers need-based financial aid as well as merit-based scholarships and grants.
- International applicants must provide financial documentation and evidence of available funding. Holy Cross states that funding opportunities for international students are available but limited.
University Services & Academic Support
- Students have access to academic advising, peer tutoring, academic coaching, writing support, library research services and career development. The Center for Career Development provides career counseling, internship and job-search support, resume and cover-letter reviews, mock interviews and alumni networking.
- International students receive support through the Office of International Students, including assistance with I-20 documentation, SEVIS matters, registration and travel-related requirements.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir
- High school transcript
- One teacher recommendation
- One school counselor recommendation
- $65 application fee
- Early Decision Agreement Form, if applying Early Decision
Optional materials include a personal interview, standardized test scores and supplementary materials demonstrating special talents, including artwork, recorded performances, original writing or research.
A portfolio is not listed as a general admission requirement for Studio Art, Film Studies or the other arts-related fields. Studio Art does provide portfolio review opportunities for placement into certain courses after enrollment.
International applicants must additionally submit the Holy Cross Certification of Finances and a bank letter, bank statement or financial affidavit. Required secondary-school records and recommendations must be submitted with certified English translations when necessary.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision I Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Early Decision I Notification: 15 December 2026
- Early Decision II Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision II Notification: 15 February 2027
- Regular Decision Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision Notification: Mid-March 2027
- International Applicant Deadlines: 15 November 2026; 15 January 2027
- Fall 2026 Classes Begin: 25 August 2026
Location
College of the Holy Cross — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
- Holy Cross is an exclusively undergraduate institution, so the relevant programs are undergraduate rather than graduate or doctoral programs. The College awards the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree.
- The Visual Arts Department offers majors and minors in Art History, Studio Art and Architectural Studies. Film Studies is available as a major and minor through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.
- For international applicants, the College requires evidence of financial support for visa documentation. An F-1 student visa is typically required, and the I-20 is issued following admission when the required financial documentation is on file.