At $12,093/yr net price, Saint Xavier University graduates earn $58,656/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,656/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,093 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,656/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,656/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,223 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,181/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,699/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,794/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,705/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,294/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,435 | $26,874 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,957 | $42,228 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,475 | $26,030 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $64,196 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $63,005 | $47,030 |
| 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 | $43,202 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $22,758 |
The Risk Factor
59.0% of students at Saint Xavier University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Saint Xavier University delivers solid financial returns for nursing students but mixed results across other programs. The school's nursing graduates earn $89,435 annually with manageable debt of $26,874, making it one of the strongest nursing ROI values in the Chicago area. Business administration also performs well at $71,957 in median earnings, though graduates carry higher debt loads.
The overall median earnings of $58,656 exceed the national average for private colleges, but you'll find significant variation by major. Communication disorders graduates face a challenging debt-to-income ratio with $47,030 in debt against $63,005 in earnings. Finance graduates fare better with similar earnings but lower debt burdens.
Your biggest financial risk at Saint Xavier is the 59% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, meaning they carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying career opportunities. The 74% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles push students out after freshman year.
Saint Xavier works best financially if you're pursuing nursing or business and can complete your degree within four years. The net price of $12,093 makes it accessible compared to other Chicago private colleges. Skip this school if you're undecided on major or considering lower-earning fields like education or social work, where the debt burden won't justify the career outcomes.
Merit aid opportunities exist but aren't widely publicized. Focus on maintaining strong grades and demonstrating financial need to maximize aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Xavier University worth the cost?
Saint Xavier University offers solid value with a net price of $12,093 and median debt of $22,223, but the 10-year earnings average of $58,656 is modest. The nursing programs provide the strongest ROI with graduates earning up to $89,435.
What are the highest paying majors at Saint Xavier University?
Nursing leads with graduates earning $65,475-$89,435, followed by business administration at $71,957 and finance at $64,196. These programs offer the best return on investment at Saint Xavier.
How much debt do Saint Xavier University graduates have?
The median debt is $22,223, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with a 59% graduation rate, 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree.
Does Saint Xavier University have good financial aid?
The net price of $12,093 suggests decent financial aid for a private university. Students typically graduate with reasonable debt levels, making Saint Xavier more affordable than many comparable schools.