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 gives you a solid financial return, mostly because of one program. A $12,093 net price against $58,656 median earnings ten years out is a workable ratio, and median debt stays close to one year of post-graduation pay. The catch is that your major choice decides almost everything here.
Nursing is the reason to come to Saint Xavier. It pays about $20,000 more per year than the general business degree, and Chicago's hospital market keeps demand steady. Accounting also clears its cost, landing above the school's median with debt near the campus norm. Those are the two degrees that reliably pay off.
The weaker end is real. General business graduates earn under $40,000 while carrying $25,000 in debt, the heaviest debt load of any program listed here paired with the lowest pay. Teacher education and finance sit in the middle, covering their debt but not much more. If you enroll planning on a generic business degree, your numbers look shaky.
The main risk is completion. A 59% graduation rate and 74% retention mean a meaningful share of you leave with debt and no degree, which is the worst financial outcome available. Nursing's payoff assumes you finish and pass licensure.
Net price actually rises as family income climbs, from about $9,200 under $30k to $18,294 above $110k. Lower-income families pay noticeably less here, and the school stays affordable across the board compared to private-college sticker prices.
Come to Saint Xavier if you want nursing or accounting and expect to finish. If you are undecided or leaning toward a general business track, the earnings do not justify the debt, and you should compare cheaper options first.
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.