Holy Cross College (Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli is a highly reputed Arts and Science College for Women in the state of Tamil Nadu. Situated at the heart of ‘The Rock City’ on the banks of the River Cauvery, Holy Cross College has a unique history of academic excellence. It is a Catholic Institution established in 1923 when higher education for women was considered almost a transgression. It has been in the fore front of women’s education for a centenary. In keeping with its mission, the college admits a number of students from the socially and economically weaker strata of the society, irrespective of religion and caste. It is one of the oldest colleges for women in South India and is affiliated to Bharathidasan University. The College is administered by the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, Tiruchirappalli Province.

The history of Holy Cross College dates back to 1901, when Mother Sophie set up a primary school with only a room or two and a handful of students. From its humble beginning, it has steadily grown, attained the status of a college in 1923, became a Second Grade College in 1928 and Post Graduate College in 1964. In recognition of its services to the cause of women’s education, for several decades, the college was granted autonomous status in 1987 by the Bharathidasan University. It was accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC ) in 1999 with 5 stars and re-accredited in 2005 with ‘A’ grade and in 2012(3rd Cycle) with A Grade in 2020(4th Cycle) with A++ with CGPA Score of 3.75 on a 4.0 Scale by NAAC. The college was recognised by UGC as ‘College with Potential for Excellence’ in October 2011 and the CPE status has been extended till 2022. As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by MHRD, the college was ranked 26 th for the year 2017 and 42 nd for the year 2018.