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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, Illinois · www.sxu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

84.3%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$38,945

$51,805 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

3,098

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

39.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 52.8%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Saint Xavier University, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a private Catholic university known for its strong commitment to liberal arts education and social justice. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university has a rich history and a mission centered around compassion, service, and academic excellence. The university's campus is characterized by a vibrant and inclusive community that emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and civic engagement. The campus culture is deeply rooted in values of respect, integrity, and social responsibility, which are reflected in the diverse activities and events organized by students and faculty alike.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including nursing, business, education, and the arts. Saint Xavier University is particularly renowned for its nursing program, which consistently ranks among the top in the nation, providing students with comprehensive clinical experiences and a strong foundation in healthcare. The faculty is comprised of dedicated professionals and scholars who are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and mentorship throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the university's location in Chicago offers students numerous opportunities for internships and employment, allowing them to gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to the local community. With a strong emphasis on holistic education and a commitment to nurturing future leaders, Saint Xavier University continues to make a positive impact on its students and society at large.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University has shown significant trends in tuition fees, student retention, and graduation rates over the past decade. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has increased steadily, rising from approximately $28,970 in 2014 to about $36,840 in 2024. This reflects a broader trend in higher education, where tuition costs have been rising faster than inflation, potentially making college less accessible for many students.

Another vital metric is the retention rate of undergraduate students, which has fluctuated over the years. The retention rate peaked at around 77.67% in 2022 but dropped to 70.87% in 2023. This decline could indicate challenges in student satisfaction or support systems, which may require further investigation to ensure students remain engaged and committed to completing their degrees.

Graduation rates present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate saw a notable increase to 41.65% in 2021, but has since stabilized around 39.39% in 2023. This suggests that while more students are managing to graduate within the expected timeframe, the university may need to enhance its support services to improve these rates further.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 14:1 in 2013 to 15:1 in 2023. Maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio is crucial for providing quality education and personalized attention, which can directly impact retention and graduation rates.

In conclusion, while Saint Xavier University continues to face challenges related to rising tuition and fluctuating retention rates, it has made strides in supporting on-time graduation. Addressing the underlying issues affecting retention and ensuring educational support will be essential for the university to maintain its reputation and attract future students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Chicago, about 9 mi
Nearest international airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 6 mi
Chicago, Illinois
Also known as
St. Xavier University, St Xavier University
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
Keith Elder (President)
Phone
7732983000
City
Chicago, Illinois
Address
3700 W 103rd St, Chicago, IL 60655

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
82.5%
Women
85.6%

In 2020: men 68.8%, women 74.9%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Saint Xavier University

The admission data for Saint Xavier University reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers over the years. Notably, the male acceptance rate peaked at approximately 85.08% in 2019, while the female acceptance rate reached its maximum at around 88.11% in 2022. This indicates a relatively higher likelihood of acceptance for female applicants in recent years, which may reflect broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly striving for gender equity in enrollment.
The total number of enrollees has shown variability, with a notable dip in 2010, where only 439 students were admitted compared to 747 in 2022. Such changes could be attributed to a variety of factors, including shifts in the university's recruitment strategies, changes in applicant interest, or broader demographic trends in the high school graduation cohort.
Moreover, the number of students denied admission has fluctuated significantly. For example, in 2010, the denial count soared to 9,135, a stark contrast to the 1,183 denials in 2022. This drastic difference suggests that the university may have adjusted its admissions criteria or overall capacity to accommodate more applicants over time.
Additionally, the data shows that the number of deferred admissions has remained consistently high, with many applicants choosing to postpone their entry into the university. This trend could indicate a growing preference among students for gap years or other educational opportunities before commencing their college education.
Overall, Saint Xavier University appears to be navigating the complexities of higher education admissions with an evolving approach that reflects changing societal norms and student preferences. The trends in acceptance rates, enrollment, and denial figures provide a window into the institution's priorities and the competitive landscape of college admissions in the United States.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Standardized Test Scores at Saint Xavier University

The data from Saint Xavier University reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores over the years. From 2007 to 2016, the number of students submitting SAT scores saw a significant decline, with the percentage dropping from 7% to as low as 1%. This decline correlates with a broader national trend where more institutions have adopted test-optional policies, reducing the emphasis on standardized test scores in college admissions.

However, a remarkable shift occurred from 2018 onwards, where the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores surged to 80% in 2019, maintaining around 79% in the following years. This increase may reflect a renewed confidence in standardized testing or a change in the university's admissions strategy that encourages submissions.

Examining the scores, the middle 50% range for SAT reading and math has shown variability, with dips in some years followed by improvements. For instance, the reading scores started at a range of 470 to 570 in 2007 and fluctuated throughout the years, reaching a range of 480 to 570 in 2019. Interestingly, the 25th percentile scores also indicate that the university has maintained competitive standards, ensuring that the lower end of the score range remains relatively stable.

Overall, these trends suggest that while standardized testing remains a contentious topic in higher education, Saint Xavier University has adapted its approach, possibly balancing between maintaining academic standards and responding to changing applicant behaviors. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how these patterns develop in future years.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

6,434 applicants in 2025, 84.3% admitted

5,424 admitted 1,010 not admitted Yield 13.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's6980 international (0.0%)
Master's1760 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
135
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
61
Psychology, General
59
Business/Commerce, General
54
Marketing, Other
33
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
30
Elementary Education and Teaching
29
Accounting
28
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
26
Computer Science
24

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist · Master's40 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's21 (0% international)
  • Nursing Education · Master's18 (0% international)
  • Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's13 (0% international)
  • Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's12 (0% international)
  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor · Master's9 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Saint Xavier University

The graduation data from Saint Xavier University for 2023 highlights some interesting trends across various disciplines. Notably, the Psychology program stands out with 61 bachelor's degrees awarded, making it the most popular program among students. This aligns with a broader trend in higher education, where psychology remains one of the most sought-after fields, reflecting the increasing societal focus on mental health and wellness.

Biology also shows a strong presence with 55 graduates. This is significant, especially considering the ongoing emphasis on STEM fields in the job market and the increasing demand for professionals in health-related industries. The absence of international students in both programs suggests a potential area for growth, as universities worldwide typically benefit from a diverse student body, enhancing cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

Conversely, several programs such as Education and Health Care Management reported no graduates this year, which is particularly noteworthy. This could indicate a need for reevaluation of these programs to attract more students or address potential barriers that deter enrollment.

The data indicates a clear preference for programs related to psychology and biology, while others may need strategic adjustments to remain relevant and appealing. Understanding these trends can help Saint Xavier University tailor its offerings and support services to better meet the needs of its student population, ultimately fostering a more robust educational environment.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 221 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.$62,145
Nursing Education.$103,305
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$83,060-$107,053
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.$83,060-$107,053
Nursing Science.$83,060-$107,053
Businesshas 174 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business/Commerce, General.$49,932
Business Administration and Management, General.$80,892
Accounting.$68,284-$79,251
Finance, General.$61,992-$109,573
Finance and Financial Management Services, Other.$61,992-$109,573
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$47,761
Marketing, Other.$47,761
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.$53,494-$78,586
Educationhas 146 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Special Education and Teaching, General.$59,586
Elementary Education and Teaching.$45,328-$52,982
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.$45,328-$52,982
Secondary Education and Teaching.$45,328-$52,982
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$45,328-$52,982
Art Teacher Education.$50,713
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$50,713
Mathematics Teacher Education.$50,713
Music Teacher Education.$50,713
Social Science Teacher Education.$50,713
Biology Teacher Education.$50,713
Spanish Language Teacher Education.$50,713
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.-
Biologyhas 61 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$35,437
Psychology has 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$37,253
Parks, recreation, leisure has 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$36,371
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$36,371
Computer and information sciencehas 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Computer Science.$47,738
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.-
Communication has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$36,919
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.-
Homeland security has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$41,676
Liberal arts has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$57,377
Visual and Performing artshas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Design.-
Art/Art Studies, General.$20,855
Music, General.-
Music Performance, General.-
Social sciencehas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.$34,202
Physical scienceshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Foreign languages has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Spanish Language and Literature.-
English has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Mathematics and Statistics, Other.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biological and Physical Sciences.-
Gerontology.-
Engineeringhas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Software Engineering.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-

Students

3,485 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 75.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,098)

Hispanic
1,628 · 52.6%
White
899 · 29.0%
Black
361 · 11.7%
Two or more races
75 · 2.4%
Unknown
73 · 2.4%
Asian
60 · 1.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.5%
18–19
40.7%
20–21
38.5%
22–24
15.4%
25 and over
4.9%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.3%
22–24
35.7%
25–29
22.2%
30–34
12.4%
35 and over
29.5%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Saint Xavier University in 2023

The data from Saint Xavier University in 2023 reveals a diverse student body, with notable trends in gender representation among different student classifications. The undergraduate freshman population consists of 657 students, with a significant majority of 61.3% being female. This trend continues among undergraduate sophomores, where females make up 63.2% of the 2,065 students. Similarly, in the undergraduate transfer category, the female percentage is slightly higher at 63.5%, with a total of 241 students.

The graduate student demographic presents an even more pronounced gender imbalance, as only 23.1% of the 542 graduate students are male, indicating a strong female presence in higher education at this institution. This trend of female predominance is reflective of broader national patterns in higher education, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in college enrollment in recent years.

The data also highlights a small contingent of students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. While specific numbers are not provided for all classifications, it is evident that diversity is present within the student body, though further details would be necessary to understand the full scope of representation.

Overall, Saint Xavier University showcases a predominantly female enrollment, particularly in undergraduate programs, which aligns with national trends regarding gender in higher education. The university's efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity can further enhance the educational experience for all students.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at Saint Xavier University

The age distribution of students at Saint Xavier University reveals intriguing patterns that reflect broader trends in higher education. Notably, the largest demographic is composed of students aged 18-19, with 441 male undergraduates and 717 female undergraduates, indicating a strong influx of traditional-age college students. This aligns with national trends where colleges often see a significant number of students transitioning directly from high school.

The representation of students aged 20-21 also shows a notable presence, with 410 male undergraduates and 728 female undergraduates. This suggests that many students continue their education without significant gaps, which may be influenced by the increasing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to career advancement.

As age increases, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in the number of male undergraduates, while the number of female undergraduates remains relatively stable. This trend could reflect the evolving roles of women in the workforce and their increasing pursuit of higher education, as evidenced by the growing number of women pursuing degrees across various fields.

Furthermore, the presence of graduate students indicates that the university also accommodates individuals seeking advanced degrees, particularly in the 25-29 age group, which may point to a trend of career advancement among those who have already entered the workforce.

In conclusion, the student age composition at Saint Xavier University not only highlights the university's appeal to younger, traditional students but also reflects broader societal changes regarding education and gender roles in the workforce. This demographic insight can be valuable for shaping future educational offerings and support services at the university.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.8%2017: 3.4%2018: 3.9%2019: 2.7%2020: 0.9%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Saint Xavier University

The data on international student enrollment at Saint Xavier University reveals fluctuating trends over the years, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate student populations. Notably, the percentage of international students among undergraduates peaked at 0.55% in 2008, but has seen a significant decline in recent years, dropping to just 0.03% by 2019. This decline may reflect broader trends in higher education, where many institutions have faced challenges in attracting international students due to global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies.

In contrast, the graduate program has shown more variability, with a notable increase in the percentage of international students from 0.08% in 2004 to a high of 3.88% in 2018. The graduate student population seems to have adapted better to the fluctuating global landscape, as evidenced by the substantial rise in international enrollment in the later years of the dataset.

The data suggests that while undergraduate enrollment of international students has declined significantly, graduate programs have managed to capture a larger share of this demographic. This may indicate a shift in the university's appeal to international students seeking advanced degrees, possibly due to program offerings or faculty expertise.

Overall, the challenges facing international student enrollment must be addressed to ensure that Saint Xavier University remains competitive in the global education market. Institutions may need to enhance their outreach efforts and support systems for international students to reverse the downward trend observed in undergraduate enrollments.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$51,805

Undergraduate tuition
$38,945
Room and board
$12,860
Graduate tuition
$13,950
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 21%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$76.1M

Tuition and fees
$55.9M73.5%
Investment return
$7.3M9.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.5M8.5%
Government grants and contracts
$4.2M5.5%
Gifts and private grants
$1.3M1.7%
Other
$908K1.2%

Expenses$64.8M

Instruction
$23.8M36.7%
Institutional support
$17.8M27.5%
Student services
$14.7M22.6%
Academic support
$4.1M6.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.9M4.4%
Public service
$1.5M2.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$73,116peers $68,006
Professor
$87,167peers $78,041
Associate professor
$75,330peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$72,703peers $63,827
Lecturer
$62,529peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Mid-States Football Association · Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference

Mid-States Football Association: football

Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division II MENWOMEN
Football98-
Track and Field (Indoor)6335
Track and Field (Outdoor)5939
Baseball85-
Soccer4031
Volleyball3037
Basketball2133
Bowling2418
Softball-37
Cross Country1313
Golf84
Other Sports-11
2024
NAIA Division IIMENWOMEN
Football102-
Track and Field (Outdoor)6240
Track and Field (Indoor)6337
Soccer4231
Baseball69-
Volleyball3824
Bowling2319
Basketball2117
Softball-30
Other Sports-29
Cross Country169
Golf75
2023
NAIA Division IIMENWOMEN
Football90-
Track and Field (Indoor)5036
Track and Field (Outdoor)5036
Baseball58-
Soccer2919
Volleyball2516
Basketball1916
Softball-28
Cross Country1612
Bowling1512
Golf74
Other Sports-9

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities located near Saint Xavier University:

  1. University of Chicago - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News list, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research.

  2. Northwestern University - With a rank of 9, Northwestern is renowned for its diverse programs and is considered one of the top private research universities in the United States.

  3. University of Illinois Chicago - Ranked 82nd, UIC offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on research and public service.

  4. DePaul University - This university, ranked 151st, is known for its commitment to providing a personalized education and a diverse student body.

  5. Loyola University Chicago - With a rank of 142, Loyola emphasizes social justice and community service as part of its educational mission.

  6. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, this well-known Catholic university is famous for its strong academics, vibrant campus life, and athletic programs.

These institutions contribute to a vibrant educational landscape in the Chicago area, offering a variety of programs and opportunities for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
262
Drug referrals
121
Rape
5
Fondling
4
Dating violence
3
Weapons referrals
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Saint Xavier University

The crime data for Saint Xavier University reveals significant fluctuations in the crime rate over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the year 2021 stands out with an alarming average of 26.99 incidents per 1,000 students, marking a stark increase from previous years. This spike raises concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of campus security measures during that time.

In contrast, the years 2019 and 2022 reflect the lowest crime rates, with averages of 2.45 and 2.24 incidents per 1,000 students, respectively. Such declines could be attributed to enhanced safety protocols, community engagement initiatives, or external factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered student life significantly.

Another point of interest is the trend in specific types of arrests. Throughout the years, there seems to be a notable absence of gun-related arrests on campus, which is a positive indication for the university’s security environment. However, the data does highlight instances of drug and alcohol arrests, which remain a persistent concern on college campuses nationwide.

Overall, while there are years of elevated crime rates, the overall trend seems to suggest periods of improvement in campus safety. Continuous efforts in community policing and awareness programs could further mitigate these issues, ensuring a safer environment for all students. For a deeper understanding of how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Saint Xavier University include Craig Robinson (Actor and comedian), Mike Rizzo (Former Washington Nationals general manager) and Kathryn Ann Clarke (Young adult fiction writer living in Ireland).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.