About Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University produces more African American medical and pharmacy graduates than any other university in the United States. This private Catholic historically black university enrolls 2,534 students in New Orleans, making it a powerhouse for healthcare education despite its modest size. Notable graduates include Regina Benjamin, former U.S. Surgeon General, and Norman Francis, who holds the record as the longest-serving university president in American history. The acceptance rate of 95% reflects the university's mission to provide access rather than exclusivity.
Students typically pay around $18,285 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of nearly $40,000. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based support. Graduates earn a median of $52,184 ten years after college, which provides reasonable returns given the median debt load of $24,053. The monthly loan payment of $255 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in healthcare fields.
The student body is overwhelmingly female at 75%, reflecting the school's strength in nursing and pharmacy programs. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The 50% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, but the 91% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.
Students typically pay around $18,285 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of nearly $40,000. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based support. Graduates earn a median of $52,184 ten years after college, which provides reasonable returns given the median debt load of $24,053. The monthly loan payment of $255 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in healthcare fields.
The student body is overwhelmingly female at 75%, reflecting the school's strength in nursing and pharmacy programs. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The 50% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, but the 91% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Xavier dominates pre-med and pharmacy education, producing more African American medical and pharmacy graduates than any other university in the United States. The Catholic HBCU's science programs prepare students for health careers through rigorous coursework and extensive research opportunities. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, professors provide intensive mentoring that's crucial for pre-professional success. The university's College of Pharmacy ranks among the nation's top programs, while its pre-med track boasts strong medical school acceptance rates. However, the 50% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of these programs. Students benefit from small classes and personalized attention, but must be prepared for challenging coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics that weeds out less committed students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.2%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,184
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,757 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,971 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,568 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $27,669 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,863 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,164 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $23,649 |
Campus Life
The French Quarter sits just minutes from Xavier's compact campus in New Orleans' Gert Town neighborhood. With housing for 1,691 students and total enrollment of 2,534, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that foster the tight-knit community Xavier is known for. The student body is 75% women, creating a distinctive campus active where sisterhood runs deep and academic collaboration thrives.
New Orleans means no winter coats needed, but you'll want an umbrella for sudden summer downpours and sunscreen year-round. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Weekends often blend campus life with the city's endless cultural offerings. Students might catch second lines parading through the neighborhood, volunteer at community health fairs, or study together for the rigorous pre-med and pharmacy programs that make Xavier the nation's top producer of Black medical and pharmacy graduates. The Catholic tradition shapes campus values while embracing the diverse New Orleans culture surrounding it.
New Orleans means no winter coats needed, but you'll want an umbrella for sudden summer downpours and sunscreen year-round. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Weekends often blend campus life with the city's endless cultural offerings. Students might catch second lines parading through the neighborhood, volunteer at community health fairs, or study together for the rigorous pre-med and pharmacy programs that make Xavier the nation's top producer of Black medical and pharmacy graduates. The Catholic tradition shapes campus values while embracing the diverse New Orleans culture surrounding it.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,691 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1915
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–63°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 62.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Xavier draws ambitious students serious about healthcare careers, with 85% of undergraduates identifying as Black and three-quarters being women. The student body comes primarily from outside Louisiana, reflecting the university's national reputation as America's top producer of African American medical and pharmacy graduates. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing Xavier's commitment to making professional education accessible to first-generation college students. The heavily female enrollment mirrors the demographics of pre-health programs nationwide. Students choose Xavier specifically for its proven track record of getting underrepresented minorities into medical school.
- Men
- 24.5%
- Women
- 75.5%
- White
- 1.2%
- Black
- 84.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.0%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 34.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 51.7%
Location
Xavier University of Louisiana sits in New Orleans, a active cultural center known for jazz music, Creole cuisine, and historic architecture. The university enrolls 2,534 students in one of America's most distinctive cities, where Mardi Gras parades roll down streets lined with antebellum mansions. Students experience life in the French Quarter's shadow while studying at this historically black Catholic institution. The campus houses 1,691 students in a city famous for its festivals, food scene, and musical heritage. New Orleans offers internships in healthcare, business, and tourism industries. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Xavier University of Louisiana with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- New Orleans, Louisiana 70125-1098
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,184
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,357
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $255/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,053
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Xavier University of Louisiana?
Xavier accepts 95.16% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1080. The university focuses on developing students who may not have had the strongest preparation but shows tremendous potential in pre-health fields.
How much does Xavier University of Louisiana cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,285, lower than the sticker price of $27,868 for tuition. Over half of students (51.71%) receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $24,053 in debt.
What is Xavier University of Louisiana known for academically?
Xavier leads the nation as the top producer of African American medical and pharmacy degree earners. The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 supports intensive mentoring in the demanding pre-health curriculum.
What are the career outcomes for Xavier University of Louisiana graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,184 ten years after graduation with a 90.8% employment rate. The 50.2% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging pre-med and pre-pharmacy coursework that defines the university.
Where do Xavier University of Louisiana students live on campus?
The university houses 1,691 students in residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 2,534. Campus life centers around the historic New Orleans location and the tight-knit community of future healthcare professionals.
Is Xavier University of Louisiana a historically black university?
Yes, Xavier is a Catholic HBCU founded in 1915 with 84.77% Black enrollment and 75.49% women. The university combines its religious mission with a commitment to advancing underrepresented minorities in medicine and pharmacy.
