Holy Cross College was initially established in 1966 by the Mid-West Province of the Brothers of the Holy Cross as a two-year junior college, primarily to educate Holy Cross Brothers.

For 2022, was ranked 23rd in Regional Colleges Midwest, 27th in Best Value Schools, and 13th in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Students take part in the about 500 student clubs and organizations across the tri-campus community (including Notre Dame and Saint Mary's). The college's intramural sports, include flag football, volleyball, basketball, and pickleball. Holy Cross hosts its Student Government, which is composed of the Executive Board, the Programming Board, and the Student Senate. The Social Concerns Committee plays an important role in the student's body volunteering and social service causes. Holy Cross students can be members of the University of Notre Dame Marching Band.