Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL ranked #228 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 3,096 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 84.3%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.7% first-year retention, and 56.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $10,970, about $6,028 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 15.7%, roughly 69.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,784. That's about $7,096 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Saint Xavier University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Saint Xavier University graduates 56.6% of students within six years and keeps 75.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Saint Xavier University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $37,940 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,860 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,440 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,244 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 58.9% of Saint Xavier University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,572 to $17,864 depending on family income. Use Saint Xavier University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,132/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,864/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,784
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,784
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,699
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.6%
- Employment Rate 91.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Saint Xavier University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Saint Xavier University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Saint Xavier University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Saint Xavier University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Saint Xavier University graduates earn $50,784 median, the 15.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,096
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.7%
- Graduation Rate 56.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Saint Xavier University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Saint Xavier University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 84.3%, Saint Xavier University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 84.3% acceptance rate, Saint Xavier University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Saint Xavier University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 19.5%
- Psychology, General 9.7%
- Business/Commerce, General 8.3%
- Marketing 6.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.5%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.4%
See more majors
- Biology, General 5.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $83,102
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $78,176
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $77,093
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminal Justice and Corrections $66,567
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $64,220
- 6. Marketing $64,164
- 7. Business/Commerce, General $63,363
- 8. Computer and Information Sciences, General $60,076
- 9. Biology, General $57,276
- 10. Communication and Media Studies $57,123
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,978
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $101,722
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $89,031
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $77,751
- 5. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $77,306
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $66,886
- 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $65,449
- 8. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $63,888
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $58,838
- 10. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $52,458
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $83,102—45% more than Communication and Media Studies ($57,123). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $118,978 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Saint Xavier University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 144 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 61 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (43 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Sociology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- History
- Philosophy
- Music
- Mathematics
- Information Science/Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Gerontology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Social Sciences, General
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- International Business
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Online Master's Degrees (21 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Education, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,096
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.9%
- Female Students 61.1%
- Caucasian 29.0%
- Asian 1.9%
- Hispanic 52.6%
- Black 11.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 58.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Saint Xavier University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Saint Xavier University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Xavier University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Xavier University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Saint Xavier University has a diverse student body, with 29.0% identifying as White. Women make up 61.1% of undergraduates. 58.9% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Saint Xavier University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Saint Xavier University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Saint Xavier University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 15.7% ROI. Ranked #228 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $10,970 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $50,784 median earnings. With 56.6% graduating within six years and 75.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Saint Xavier University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #228 ranking, Saint Xavier University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $10,970 annually, Saint Xavier University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $7,679 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 15.7% ROI and $50,784 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $970+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Saint Xavier University ranks #228 of 1942 institutions, with 121 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.6% six-year graduation rate sits 5.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.7% first-year retention is 1.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 15.7% return on investment is 69.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,784 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,970 is roughly $9,048 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.9% employment rate within three years sits 23.7 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Chicago, IL, Saint Xavier University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It appears at #228 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 75.7% retention and 56.6% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 15.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,970 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,244.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $32,274 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,699 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 58.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,784 at the median. This is roughly 16% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 91.9% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 15.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
84.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Saint Xavier University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Chicago, IL 60655
- Website www.sxu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$43.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.9%