College of the Holy Cross
- Diversity

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College of the Holy Cross - Diversity - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 4%
Asian American 6%
Hispanic 6%
International 1%
Native American 0%
White 67%
Unknown 15%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 63%
Common States of Residence
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 48%
20-21: 47%
22-24: 4%
25+: 0%
Female Faculty 46%
Male Faculty 54%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 4%
Hispanic: 3%
International: 5%
Native American: 0%
White: 83%
Unknown: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The fact that Holy Cross is not diverse is no secret, and most students agree that the campus is not very diverse. Although Admissions is trying to make the campus more multicultural, it is difficult to attract minority students to a school that is already so overwhelmingly white and Catholic. Although the school has really been trying to attract more students from different backgrounds, it nonetheless remains overwhelmingly white. The average student is probably Irish or Italian, Catholic, from the greater New York or New England area, and fairly preppy. Students who do not fit the preppy mold tend to be more noticed on campus, simply because they don’t “blend in.”

Although a small percentage of the student body is non-white, the school is diverse in other ways, such as geographically and economically. While a lot of kids come from upper-middle-class homes in the Northeast, they are by no means the norm, and kids from every class in society and almost all 50 states can be found at HC. However, since Holy Cross embraces its Catholic identity more strongly than its Jesuit rivals BC and Georgetown and because Worcester is not the cultural mecca that Boston and Washington DC are, it will probably be difficult for the school to achieve the racial diversity it desires. However, the Office of Admissions is still at work trying to diversify the student body here at Holy Cross.

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Holy Cross Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at College of the Holy Cross

CKG13

Political Science and Government '13

1.9
C-

Pretty White, Improving.

Holy Cross is pretty white. White, Upper/Upper Middle Class.

Though the Class of 2015 is the most diverse, suggesting an improvement.

I'd say that nobody is in any disadvantage. People generally get along.

There is a good distribution of the States, from the West Coast to down South. Still, most people are from the North East, specifically the New England region.

Though honestly, diversity is not a factor I consider in choosing the College.

Aug 28, 2011

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Diversity at College of the Holy Cross

aidancamas10

History '14

4.2
A-

A Home to All

One of the most distinct things about Holy Cross is its tight knit community. Holy Cross students come from all over with unique backgrounds and are all able to live, work and learn well with each other. If there is an issue on campus, the school does a great job of holding open discussions on campus where students can voice their opiions/concerns and are able to learn and grow.

Jul 10, 2011

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Diversity at College of the Holy Cross

HCsrd

Biology '14

3.8
B+

Give HC Some Credit

Even though Holy Cross is mostly white and Catholic, most colleges are predominately white. HC has been do a noticeably good job recruit minority students and making sure they can afford to attend. I was pleasantly surprised when I got on campus at the amount of diversity I saw. I thought I was heading to an all-white, all-New Englander school.

Dec 23, 2010

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User rating for College of the Holy Cross - Diversity is 2.3 out of 5 based on 18 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

Holy Cross was the first Jesuit institution to support a club for homosexual students, and the Chaplain’s Office sponsors a special group for gay students. Although the campus is not overtly homophobic, there is an underlying culture of homophobia, and there are one or two instances of anti-gay sentiment on campus each year. “Rainbow Alliance Week,” a week dedicated to raising awareness and tolerance about homosexuality, is held every year.

Political Activity

Although there are active chapters of the College Democrats and College Republicans, the student body on the whole tends to be apathetic, although issues concerning the Catholic Church and its policies (such as the pro-life argument) tend to cause much debate on campus, with some students taking the orthodox Catholic view and others breaking with the Church's teachings.

Economic Status

Most students come from upper-middle-class or privileged backgrounds.

Minority Clubs on Campus

BSU (Black Student Union); INDIA (Indian culture club), ASIA (Asian culture club), MECCA (Islamic Student alliance).

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Audrey Gehring
Hometown
Madison, WI
Major
English/Religious Studies

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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