Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is a private nonprofit university in New Orleans, LA ranked #688 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 2,628 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.0%. Students most often pursue Chemistry and Biology.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.7% first-year retention, and 48.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $17,127, about $129 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -40.7%, roughly 126.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,643. That's about $3,045 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Xavier University of Louisiana Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Xavier University of Louisiana graduates 48.5% of students within six years and keeps 71.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Xavier University of Louisiana'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 | $28,733 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,353 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,439 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,603 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $40,434 |
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 54.2% of Xavier University of Louisiana 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 $14,405 to $24,096 depending on family income. Use Xavier University of Louisiana's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,118/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,096/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,643
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,643
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.5%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Xavier University of Louisiana 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.
Xavier University of Louisiana vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Xavier University of Louisiana's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Xavier University of Louisiana's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Xavier University of Louisiana graduates earn $40,643 median, the -40.7% 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 500-560
- SAT Math 450-553
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,628
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.7%
- Graduation Rate 48.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Xavier University of Louisiana
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Xavier University of Louisiana 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 69.0%, Xavier University of Louisiana 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 69.0% acceptance rate, Xavier University of Louisiana is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950 and 1113 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Xavier University of Louisiana undergraduates. Biology, General, Psychology, General, and Chemistry draw the most students.
- Biology, General 35.5%
- Psychology, General 12.2%
- Chemistry 10.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.1%
- Public Health 5.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.2%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.0%
- Political Science and Government 3.4%
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. Chemistry $55,002
- 2. Biology, General $49,542
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $43,552
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $43,328
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $140,879
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Chemistry grads earn $55,002—27% more than Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($43,328). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $140,879 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Xavier University of Louisiana. 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
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 143 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 46 graduates)
- Chemistry (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 23 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 (31 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Science
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- History
- Music
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Philosophy
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Statistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Data Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Online Master's Degrees (12 programs)▼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Public Health
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,628
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 24.7%
- Female Students 75.3%
- Caucasian 1.0%
- Asian 2.5%
- Hispanic 4.0%
- Black 86.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 54.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Xavier University of Louisiana's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Xavier University of Louisiana's undergraduate population. Women make up 75.3% of the student body, while men represent 24.7%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Xavier University of Louisiana 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 Xavier University of Louisiana, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Xavier University of Louisiana has a diverse student body, with 1.0% identifying as White. Women make up 75.3% of undergraduates. 54.2% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Xavier University of Louisiana 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 Xavier University of Louisiana, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Xavier University of Louisiana offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -40.7% ROI. Ranked #688 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $17,127 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $40,643 median earnings. With 48.5% graduating within six years and 71.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Xavier University of Louisiana's Positioning
With a B grade and #688 ranking, Xavier University of Louisiana competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $17,127 annually, Xavier University of Louisiana charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.7% 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 $11,989 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -40.7% ROI and $40,643 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $7,127+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Xavier University of Louisiana ranks #688 of 1942 institutions, with 766 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
- 48.5% six-year graduation rate sits 14.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.7% first-year retention is 5.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -40.7% return on investment is 126.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,643 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,127 is roughly $2,890 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 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
Xavier University of Louisiana, a private nonprofit university in New Orleans, LA, secures a B grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #688 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B+).
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: 71.7% retention and 48.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -40.7% 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 $17,127 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,434.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,307 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 54.2% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $40,643 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 7% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 89.9% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -40.7% 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
69.0% 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 Xavier University of Louisiana 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 New Orleans, LA 70125-1098
- Website www.xula.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$170.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate40.0%