Holy Cross College continues to build toward its ambition to be a premier national Catholic college, pairing serious academics and a deeply personal education with strong student outcomes and opportunities that prepare graduates for lives of purpose. 

In the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Holy Cross placed No. 184 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, No. 156 among Top Private Schools and No. 151 among Top Performers on Social Mobility. The rankings provide one national measure of the College’s progress, while student outcomes offer a broader picture of the value of a Holy Cross education. 

That broader picture includes strong graduation outcomes. Holy Cross reports a 73% four-year graduation rate for its baccalaureate degree-seeking students compared to the national six-year average of 64%. The National Center for Education Statistics reports a four-year graduation rate of 41 to 55% depending on the cohort or institution type. 

Holy Cross also scores well above the national average in social mobility index. 

For Holy Cross, however, student success extends beyond what can be captured by a ranking or a single data point. As a teaching college centered on mentorship and formation, Holy Cross seeks to prepare students not only to graduate and succeed professionally, but to become engaged scholars, courageous citizens, virtuous leaders and passionate disciples.  

The Brothers of Holy Cross, which founded the College, have had a long tradition of meeting students where they are and accompanying them along their journey to live not only a successful life, but to live with purpose and impact.   

“Holy Cross College is proud to be recognized among the nation’s liberal arts colleges,” said Holy Cross College President Dr. Marco J. Clark. “Our focus remains providing an exceptional, deeply personal Catholic liberal arts education. 

“Our ambition is to be a premier national Catholic college,” Dr. Clark said. “This is accomplished through serious academics with purpose, and we seek to form virtuous leaders for the world. Our distinctive Catholic and Holy Cross identity results in transformational student outcomes such as Fulbright Scholars, an accessible and inclusive community, and continued innovation and growth. Our students experience that today through close mentorship from our world-class faculty, a 100% internship requirement, and extraordinary opportunities within the tri-campus community and across the globe.”