University of Holy Cross

Now in our 109th year, the University of Holy Cross is a Catholic institution of higher learning anchored by the founding values of the Marianites of Holy Cross: Education of hearts and minds, with a belief in human dignity and historic outreach to the undeserved. We strive for effective and innovative teaching, intelligence exercised across disciplines, practical reasoning, and communication with others.

The University of Holy Cross is a private liberal arts institution founded in 1916 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, a Catholic congregation of women dedicated to educating minds and hearts, with emphasis on outreach to the under-represented. What once was a Ninth Ward "Normal School" has evolved into a contemporary, coeducational institution of three Colleges: Nursing and Health Sciences; Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Counseling, Education, and Business. We proudly are a New Orleans institution, with 99% of our students from the 7-parish Metropolitan Area and 98% of graduates remaining here. Although a Catholic institution, we seek students of all religious denominations and ethnic backgrounds. Finally, we take very seriously the Marianites' historic resolve to provide opportunities for the under-represented. A recent survey of first-time freshmen indicated that nearly 40% of respondents are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. This past semester, nearly 80% of our students-entirely local and a mix of traditional college-age as well as mature, working adults-met the Federal qualifications for student assistance.