Xavier University
Xavier University is a private nonprofit university in Cincinnati, OH ranked #920 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 4,207 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.4%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Accounting and Related Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.5% first-year retention, and 68.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $32,997, about $15,999 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.5%, roughly 143.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $54,758. That's about $11,070 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is 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
Xavier University graduates 68.7% of students within six years and keeps 77.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use 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 | $50,640 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,920 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,200 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $65,476 |
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 16.3% of Xavier University students receive Pell Grants — below 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 $26,728 to $35,451 depending on family income. Use Xavier University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $33,824/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $35,451/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,758
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,758
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 73.5%
- Employment Rate 89.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for 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.
Xavier University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Xavier University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Xavier University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Xavier University graduates earn $54,758 median, the -58.5% 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 553-660
- SAT Math 550-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,207
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.5%
- Graduation Rate 68.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Xavier University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: 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 86.4%, 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 86.4% acceptance rate, Xavier University 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 1103 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Xavier University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Marketing, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 24.1%
- Marketing 6.7%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 6.4%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.3%
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Political Science and Government 4.6%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.8%
- Psychology, General 3.5%
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. Finance and Financial Management Services $86,245
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $83,248
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $78,503
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Marketing $74,936
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services $74,862
- 6. Computer Science $73,546
- 7. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $71,522
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,372
- 9. Political Science and Government $68,170
- 10. Biology, General $64,340
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $132,149
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $114,884
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $106,707
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $95,159
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $89,752
- 6. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $75,250
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $73,053
- 8. Marketing (Master's Degree) $72,658
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $60,009
- 10. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $56,250
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $86,245—34% more than Biology, General ($64,340). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $132,149 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. 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
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 87 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 83 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 65 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 60 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 (56 programs)â–¼
- Marketing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Data Analytics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- History
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- International Business
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Music
- Engineering Physics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Sociology
- Physics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Chemical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Data Analytics
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Second Language Learning
- Philosophy
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Public Policy Analysis
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Second Language Learning
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Second Language Learning
- Computer Science
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Education, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,207
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.0%
- Female Students 55.0%
- Caucasian 72.6%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 6.9%
- Black 11.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 16.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Xavier University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Xavier University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does 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 Xavier University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 72.6% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 16.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does 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 Xavier University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Xavier University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.5% ROI. Ranked #920 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $32,997 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $54,758 median earnings. With 68.7% graduating within six years and 77.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Xavier University's Positioning
With a B grade and #920 ranking, Xavier University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $32,997 annually, Xavier University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.5% 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 $23,098 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.5% ROI and $54,758 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $22,997+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Xavier University ranks #920 of 1942 institutions, with 1375 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
- 68.7% six-year graduation rate sits 6.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.5% first-year retention is 0.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.5% return on investment is 143.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,758 run about 25% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $32,997 is roughly $12,980 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.2% employment rate within three years sits 21.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $32,997 is about $12,980 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 16.3% trails the national share by 18.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Xavier University—a private nonprofit university in Cincinnati, OH—at B overall. It holds a #920 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C-).
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: 77.5% retention and 68.7% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -58.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $32,997 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $65,476.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $32,479 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 16.3% 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 $54,758 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 25% higher.
Roughly 89.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -58.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.4% 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 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 Cincinnati, OH 45207-1092
- Website www.xavier.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$243.8M