College of the Holy Cross: what international applicants need

What are College of the Holy Cross's application deadlines for 2026–27?

College of the Holy Cross has 3 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 15, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

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

17.6% for students who started in fall 2024: College of the Holy Cross admitted 1,685 of its 9,568 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does College of the Holy Cross require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. College of the Holy Cross is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

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

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 610–700 in Math and 630–710 in Reading and Writing (30% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 27–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is College of the Holy Cross's application fee for international students?

College of the Holy Cross's application fee is $65 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does College of the Holy Cross accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. College of the Holy Cross accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does College of the Holy Cross accept?

College of the Holy Cross doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does College of the Holy Cross require?

College of the Holy Cross requires one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does College of the Holy Cross require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. College of the Holy Cross requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

How many international students does College of the Holy Cross have?

117 of College of the Holy Cross's 3,126 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 3.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does College of the Holy Cross cost for international students?

College of the Holy Cross's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $64,500, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $18,820. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $85,220 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source