CCCollege of the Holy Cross logo

College of the Holy Cross Unclaimed

Academic Institutions

www.holycross.edu

Worcester, MA, United States

Private Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, MA committed to academic excellence, inclusive community, and service.

College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit, Catholic undergraduate college that emphasizes a liberal arts education grounded in the Ignatian tradition. The College champions academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and service to others within a diverse, inclusive community. Faculty and staff collaborate to support students across disciplines with rigorous coursework, research, internships, and experiential learning that prepare graduates for thoughtful citizenship and lifelong learning. The institution highlights cura personalis—the care for the whole person—and a mission-driven environment that values intellectual rigor, social justice, and the development of character. Holy Cross offers programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with strong centers for career development and internships, including the Center for Career Development and the Academic Internship Program (AIP). The College fosters mentorship, collaboration, and community, encouraging students to explore ideas, conduct research, and engage with local and global communities. Its alumni network and longstanding traditions contribute to a sense of belonging, while campus life supports well-being, diversity, and belonging. Holy Cross pursues a holistic education designed to prepare students to lead with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the common good, aligning with its Jesuit mission and Catholic identity. The institution also supports cross-disciplinary study and hands-on learning, and maintains partnerships that enable joint degree opportunities, with a focus on mentoring, professional development, and forming graduates ready to contribute to society.

To educate students for a life of leadership and service through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum within the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.

What we offer

Academic Internship Program (AIP)

Service

Gain meaningful experience and academic credit while interning through the Academic Internship Program.

ignite.holycross.edu/site/beac5c83-d974-5fc6-a8e7-09f48da96597/page/8de5f494-0316-57d8-91e8-c87d960cad29

Experiential Learning Partial Credit (ELPC)

Service

Recognizes experiential learning through transcript notation, supporting career readiness.

ignite.holycross.edu/site/beac5c83-d974-5fc6-a8e7-09f48da96597/page/6bb90c39-cd24-5784-81de-10175ee782a5

Crusader Internship Fund

Service

Supports undergraduates in unpaid summer internships with financial assistance.

www.holycross.edu/academics/centers/center-for-career-development#crusaderinternshipfund

Elementary Education MAT 4+1 Program

Service

Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching through an accelerated program designed for Holy Cross students.

www.holycross.edu/academics/program/elementary-education-graduate-opportunity

3-2 Engineering Program with Columbia University Fu School of Engineering

Service

Integrates liberal arts education with engineering expertise through a dual-degree pathway.

www.holycross.edu/academics/program/engineering-graduate-opportunity

Collaborative Accelerated Master’s Program with Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Service

Gain advanced degrees faster through a unique partnership with WPI.

Esteem Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation

Service

Facilitates preferred admission into a prestigious entrepreneurship graduate program.

International Studies Graduate Opportunity to Johns Hopkins SAIS

Service

Gain preferred admissions to Johns Hopkins SAIS through Holy Cross.

www.holycross.edu/academics/program/international-studies-graduate-opportunity

Master of Music Program with New England Conservatory

Service

Achieve a Master's in Music through a unique partnership with the New England Conservatory.

www.holycross.edu/academics/program/music-graduate-opportunity

Nutrition Science Graduate Opportunity with Tufts Friedman School

Service

Engage in a unique interdisciplinary nutrition science program integrating various fields with Tufts Friedman School.

www.holycross.edu/academics/program/nutrition-science-graduate-opportunity

Holy Cross Libraries

Service

Access a wide range of academic resources and research support across several libraries.

www.holycross.edu/academics/libraries

Alumni Benefits and Services

Service

Support for alumni through career development, events, and community connection.

www.holycross.edu/alumni/benefits-services

Market segments

Market size by segment

Growth potential (CAGR)

Accelerated and integrated degree pathways

15.6 Billion USD10% CAGR

Accelerated master's and combined bachelor-to-master tracks that reduce time-to-degree through integrated curricula and expedited completion formats.

Career services and experiential learning

3 Billion USD12.7% CAGR

Career development, experiential learning and employer partnership programs that prepare students for workforce entry through project-based learning, internships and skill training.

Alumni career and professional development

8 Billion USD7.5% CAGR

Services and programming that support alumni career advancement, networking, mentoring, continuing education and access to institutional records.

Academic Library and Research Services

1 Billion USD5.5% CAGR

Access to scholarly resources, research support, and interlibrary services that enable student and faculty research and learning.

More information about our offering

Academic Internship Program (AIP)

The Academic Internship Program (AIP) offers Holy Cross juniors and seniors structured field internships, complemented by an academic seminar. Coordinated by the JD Power Center, AIP supports students in finding opportunities through advising, internship listings on Handshake, and access to alumni mentors and a catalog of prior internship sites.

  • Provides Real-World Experience
    This commitment ensures students gain extensive hands-on experience in a professional environment tailored to their career interests.
  • Enhance Internship Search
    Personalized advising helps students identify their strengths and find suitable internships that align with their career goals.
  • Access Professional Networking
    The database connects students with alumni who can offer career advice and insights about various industries.
  • Discover Internship Opportunities
    Students can browse and apply for numerous internships available through the Handshake platform.
  • Connect Theory with Practice
    The seminar offers an academic framework to analyze and reflect on the internship experience, enriching students’ understanding.
  • Utilize Past Success
    Students can review past successful internships, providing inspiration and guidance on potential placements.

Experiential Learning Partial Credit (ELPC)

The ELPC program provides formal recognition for experiential learning through a transcript notation. It is coordinated by the J.D. Power Center and is offered twice yearly, once for summer experiences and once for the academic year.

  • Enhances Academic Credentials
    Formal transcript notation boosts students' resumes, providing clear evidence of practical experience to potential employers.
  • Ensures Quality Oversight
    Expert coordination by the center enhances the program's structure and resource availability, fostering effective learning experiences.
  • Provides Flexibility For Students
    Students can choose between two opportunities to enroll, accommodating varied schedules and commitments.

Crusader Internship Fund

The Crusader Internship Fund provides financial support to Holy Cross students who complete unpaid summer internships.

  • Receive Funding for Unpaid Roles
    This feature allows students to undertake valuable internship experiences without the financial burden typically associated with unpaid positions.
  • Eligibility for Sophomores and Juniors
    This ensures that students in their second and third years can gain valuable experience and support during critical early career phases.
  • Access Comprehensive Internship Resources
    Students can connect with a wide range of internship opportunities and resources that enhance their academic experience.

Elementary Education MAT 4+1 Program

The 4+1 elementary education program leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching, a joint Holy Cross–Clark University arrangement enabling Holy Cross students to earn teaching qualifications efficiently.

  • Complete Advanced Studies Faster
    Students can earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in five years, streamlining their education and saving time.
  • Become a Qualified Educator
    Designed specifically for those aspiring to teach in elementary schools, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge.
  • Leverage Two Prestigious Institutions
    Combines resources and expertise from both Holy Cross and Clark University, enhancing academic and professional opportunities for students.
  • Integrate Theory and Practice
    Students apply classroom learning in real-world settings, fostering a deeper understanding of community needs and teaching methodologies.

3-2 Engineering Program with Columbia University Fu School of Engineering

Holy Cross offers a 3-2 engineering pathway that blends liberal arts study with engineering training, involving three or four years at Holy Cross followed by two years at Columbia University’s Fu School of Engineering to earn an engineering degree.

  • Earn Two Degrees
    Students can achieve a liberal arts degree from Holy Cross and an engineering degree from Columbia University.
  • Broadened Education
    Students benefit from a comprehensive education that incorporates critical thinking and problem-solving with technical skills.
  • Advanced Study Opportunities
    Students gain access to Columbia's renowned engineering programs, enhancing their academic and career prospects.
  • Gain Real-World Experience
    Students can participate in research projects and internships that prepare them for careers in engineering.

Collaborative Accelerated Master’s Program with Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Holy Cross offers a collaborative accelerated master’s program with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) allowing students to begin master’s study at WPI while completing their BA at Holy Cross.

  • Access to WPI’s Resources
    Participants benefit from the expertise and facilities of WPI, gaining insights and experiences that prepare them for advanced careers.
  • Begin Master’s Coursework Early
    This feature allows undergraduate students to integrate graduate-level studies into their educational journey, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.
  • Complete Master’s Degree Quickly
    This unique program enables students to advance their education efficiently, reducing the time typically needed to earn a master's degree.

Esteem Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation

Holy Cross notes a pathway to Notre Dame’s ESTEEM Graduate Program in Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation, reflecting collaboration across institutions to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Enhances Skills And Knowledge
    This feature provides students with specialized knowledge and skills applicable to real-world entrepreneurship and innovation challenges.
  • Streamlines Graduate Pathway
    This advantage simplifies the transition for students into graduate study, reducing barriers to entry and enhancing educational continuity.
  • Expands Professional Networks
    This feature leverages cross-institutional collaboration for broader professional opportunities, enhancing student connections in entrepreneurial fields.

International Studies Graduate Opportunity to Johns Hopkins SAIS

A graduate opportunity enabling preferred admissions into Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), expanding cross-institution collaboration in international studies.

  • Streamlines Graduate School Access
    This feature allows Holy Cross graduates to secure preferred admissions, easing their transition into prestigious graduate programs focused on international affairs.
  • Enhances Academic Opportunities
    The partnership between Holy Cross and Johns Hopkins facilitates enriched learning experiences and academic pathways in international studies.

Master of Music Program with New England Conservatory

Holy Cross offers a joint Master of Music program with the New England Conservatory (NEC), allowing students to pursue graduate-level music studies in collaboration with NEC.

  • Enhances Learning Experience
    Access to resources and expertise from both Holy Cross and NEC enriches the educational journey.
  • Earn Dual Qualifications
    Students benefit from two prestigious institutions, enhancing their credentials and career opportunities.

Nutrition Science Graduate Opportunity with Tufts Friedman School

Holy Cross offers a cooperative graduate path with Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, focusing on interdisciplinary topics such as microbiome, agriculture and environment, food economics, data science and AI.

  • Facilitates Seamless Transition
    This feature ensures an easy transition for students into advanced studies in nutrition, providing access to Tufts’ resources and expertise.
  • Encourages Diverse Learning
    Students can explore a wide range of topics that prepare them for various career paths in nutrition science and related fields.

Holy Cross Libraries

The Holy Cross Libraries provide access to multiple libraries including Dinand Library, O’Callahan Science Library, Fenwick Music Library, Rehm Library, Worcester Art Museum Library, and Icon Museum & Study Center Library, offering research support and archives.

  • Provides Extensive Resources
    Serves as the central hub for students and faculty to access a large collection of print and electronic materials.
  • Enhances Scientific Research
    Hosts a vast array of scientific resources to support rigorous academic research and inquiry.
  • Supports Music Education
    Offers diverse musical resources to support both academic coursework and personal exploration.
  • Promotes Cultural Heritage
    Provides a rich collection of materials for those interested in Eastern Christian cultures and traditions.
  • Facilitates Religious Studies
    Offers a conducive environment for study and events focused on religion, ethics, and culture.
  • Connects with Local Art Community
    Provides access to art resources, enriching the cultural experience of students and the local community.

Alumni Benefits and Services

Alumni benefits and services provide ongoing engagement opportunities, including career development resources, alumni travel, weddings and access to transcripts and the alumni directory.

  • Access Career Resources
    Gain insights and support through various platforms to enhance career prospects.
  • Reconnect with Alumni
    Utilize the directory to regain contacts and foster connections in professional endeavors.
  • Explore Alumni Travel Opportunities
    Join fellow alumni in curated travel experiences that encourage networking and exploration.
  • Plan Weddings on Campus
    Access resources to help organize weddings at the college, creating memorable experiences.
  • Request Transcripts
    Easy requests for academic records to support further education or career advancements.

References

Methodology and sourcing behind the figures shown above.

Accelerated and integrated degree pathways

I used the provided higher-education and adjacent-market figures as anchors and assumed accelerated/integrated degree pathways represent a small, growing niche of global higher education and digital/pathways offerings. Sources show a wide range for the broader higher-education market (USD ~85B–1,042B) and sizeable adjacent markets: digital education (~USD 32B in 2025), MOOCs (~USD 34.6B in 2025), and work-integrated learning (~USD 28.7B in 2024). A conservative share assumption of ~1.5% of the larger global higher-education market (using PrecedenceResearch’s USD 1,042.31B 2025 figure) yields ~USD 15.6B for accelerated/integrated degree pathways. Growth potential (CAGR ~10%) is estimated from adjacent-market CAGRs (digital education ~24.2%, work-integrated learning ~8.2%) and the expectation that this niche will grow faster than traditional higher education but slower than pure digital learning platforms.

Career services and experiential learning

Search results show strong institutional emphasis on experiential learning and integration with career services (NACE, Symplicity, uConnect, university career centers), driving demand for platforms, program staffing, and employer partnerships. No explicit market-size figures were provided in the results; I estimated market size using internal sector reasoning: ~4,000 degree-granting institutions in the U.S. with varying investment in career/experiential programs (staffing, platforms, employer engagement, program costs). Assuming a mid-range average institutional annual spend (programs + platforms + employer partnership coordination and vendor services) and adding private-sector vendors and international demand yields an estimated global market ~$3.0B. Growth potential is supported by a published market projection (CAGR 12.7%) in the search results; given continued adoption of technology and institutional integration, a mid‑teens CAGR is consistent with observed trends.

Alumni career and professional development

The provided search results demonstrate active demand (career centers, alumni programming, vendor products and market reports for professional development) but contain no explicit market-size figures. I estimated a global market size for the narrow segment “alumni career and professional development” by treating it as a small sub-segment of the broader professional-development/corporate training market (which industry reports place in the multi‑billion to multi‑hundred‑billion range). Assuming alumni services comprise roughly 2–5% of that larger market, the alumni segment plausibly sits in the mid‑single‑digit billions USD globally. Growth potential (CAGR ≈7.5%) reflects continued digitalization, increased lifelong-learning demand, and higher-education focus on alumni outcomes (observed across the search results), and aligns with typical professional-development CAGRs reported by market research for adjacent markets.

Academic Library and Research Services

Search results include market reports for library management/automation (software and systems) with explicit market sizes: MRFR reports ~USD 0.68B (2024) and 7.86% CAGR (2025–2035); Business Research Insights reports USD 1.25B (2026) and 3.1% CAGR (2026–2035). I used these software/automation submarket figures as the primary, available proxies for the academic library and research services market segment (searchResults contain no consolidated global figure for full services such as staffing and e-resource subscriptions). The combined range (USD 0.68–1.25B) suggests a mid-point market size ~USD 1.0B and a reasonable CAGR midpoint ~5.5% between the reported 3.1% and 7.86%.

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