College of the Holy Cross

Holy Cross has operated its NROTC unit since 1941, making it one of the oldest continuously operating programs in the country. The unit draws from Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Worcester State College — a mix of liberal arts and engineering students who arrive ready for the academic rigor the program demands. Class sizes are intentionally small, which means active-duty staff knows every midshipman personally, and mentorship is close rather than bureaucratic. The Marine Option here is genuine: fewer slots mean higher selectivity, and the physical training standards are enforced. Service selection results across the pipeline have historically been strong relative to the small class size. The Jesuit liberal arts foundation pairs well with the Navy's emphasis on ethical leadership.