About Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University has built its reputation around nursing and education programs that serve Chicago's diverse communities. The Catholic university enrolls 3,030 students on its city campus, where 52% of students are Hispanic and women make up 61% of enrollment. With an 84% acceptance rate, SXU welcomes students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $12,093 after aid, a significant discount from the $50,520 sticker price. Low-income families pay just $9,181 annually, making this one of Chicago's more affordable private options. Graduates earn a median $58,656 ten years after graduation, while carrying $22,223 in debt with monthly payments of $236. That debt-to-income ratio suggests solid value for the investment.
The Cougars field 20 varsity teams with 507 student-athletes sharing $3.4 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 59% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages for private universities. With 95% of students from Illinois and housing for just 510 students, this feels like a local commuter school where students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $12,093 after aid, a significant discount from the $50,520 sticker price. Low-income families pay just $9,181 annually, making this one of Chicago's more affordable private options. Graduates earn a median $58,656 ten years after graduation, while carrying $22,223 in debt with monthly payments of $236. That debt-to-income ratio suggests solid value for the investment.
The Cougars field 20 varsity teams with 507 student-athletes sharing $3.4 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 59% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages for private universities. With 95% of students from Illinois and housing for just 510 students, this feels like a local commuter school where students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Xavier's 178-year Catholic tradition centers on nursing and education programs that draw students from across Chicago's diverse communities. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that provides personal attention in smaller class settings. With 55.84% of students graduating in four years, the focused academic approach helps students complete professional programs on schedule. Saint Xavier has built its reputation as a teaching-focused institution where faculty prioritize undergraduate education over research. The nursing program prepares students for Chicago's hospital systems, while education majors benefit from partnerships with local schools. Students receive hands-on training in both fields through extensive clinical and classroom experiences throughout the city.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.0%
- Retention Rate
- 74.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,656
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,435 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,957 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,475 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $64,196 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $63,005 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $56,415 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,252 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $53,775 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
Campus Life
Saint Xavier University sits on Chicago's South Side, where 61% of students are women and the campus houses just 17% of its 3,030 students in residence halls. Most students commute from around the city, creating a practical, no-nonsense atmosphere where people show up for class and often head home afterward. Chicago winters demand heavy coats and boots, while Lake Michigan keeps summers surprisingly mild.
The 51% Hispanic enrollment reflects the surrounding neighborhoods, and many students juggle work with their studies. With 94% of students from Illinois, weekend life often means heading back to family rather than staying on the small campus. Basketball games draw modest crowds to support the Cougars, but the real energy comes from nursing and education students who dominate the academic programs. The Catholic identity shows up in campus ministry and service requirements, though it doesn't overwhelm daily life. Students appreciate being in Chicago proper rather than stuck in a suburban bubble, even if the immediate area lacks typical college town charm.
The 51% Hispanic enrollment reflects the surrounding neighborhoods, and many students juggle work with their studies. With 94% of students from Illinois, weekend life often means heading back to family rather than staying on the small campus. Basketball games draw modest crowds to support the Cougars, but the real energy comes from nursing and education students who dominate the academic programs. The Catholic identity shows up in campus ministry and service requirements, though it doesn't overwhelm daily life. Students appreciate being in Chicago proper rather than stuck in a suburban bubble, even if the immediate area lacks typical college town charm.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 510 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1846
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 68°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Saint Xavier draws students who want a Catholic education without leaving Chicago, with 95% coming from Illinois. The student body is majority Hispanic at 52%, reflecting the university's commitment to serving the diverse communities of Chicago's South Side. Women make up 61% of enrollment, which aligns with the school's strength in nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Saint Xavier's mission to provide affordable Catholic higher education to working-class families in the city.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 29.6%
- Black
- 11.8%
- Hispanic
- 51.8%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 94.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 56.0%
Location
Saint Xavier University sits in Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States. The campus occupies 70 acres on Chicago's Southwest Side, putting students directly in an urban environment with 2.7 million residents. Chicago offers strong museums, professional sports teams, and extensive public transportation through the CTA system. The university's location provides access to major hospitals and school districts where 94.73% of in-state students can complete nursing and education internships. Winter temperatures average 26°F, while summers reach 84°F along Lake Michigan's shoreline just miles away. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Saint Xavier University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60655
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,656
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,675
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,223
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Xavier University?
Saint Xavier University accepts 84% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. This Catholic university focuses on serving Chicago's diverse population with strong programs in nursing and education.
How much does Saint Xavier University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,093 after aid, despite the $36,840 sticker price. Nearly 56% of students receive financial aid, with many coming from working-class families that qualify for substantial support.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Xavier University?
Classes average 15 students per faculty member, allowing for personal attention in this teaching-focused environment. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, particularly in its respected nursing and education programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Saint Xavier University?
About 59% of students graduate within six years, and graduates earn a median salary of $58,656 after ten years. The university's strong ties to Chicago's healthcare and education sectors help place graduates in stable careers.
Where do Saint Xavier University students live and study?
The campus houses 510 students in a city setting, though most of the 3,030 enrolled students commute from the Chicago area. About 95% of students are Illinois residents, reflecting the university's role as a regional Catholic institution.
Does Saint Xavier University serve a diverse student population?
Hispanic students make up 52% of enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to serving Chicago's Latino community. Women comprise 61% of students, typical for institutions with strong nursing and education programs.
