Saint Xavier University

Private · Moderately Selective · IL

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationIL · Midwest

SettingUrban

Undergrads3,096

Student:faculty16:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate43%

6-yr grad rate56.6%

Drop-out rate24.3%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$38k

Out-of-state tuition$38k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity71%

Gender diversity61.1%

International0%

IdentityRoman Catholic

Overview

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic university on Chicago's southwest side, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and among the oldest Catholic institutions in the city. It serves a diverse, largely first-generation student population drawn heavily from Chicago and the surrounding south suburbs, and it carries its Mercy-tradition mission of service and access into its everyday campus character.

Academics

Nursing and education are the university's strongest and most established programs, both benefiting from close ties to Chicago-area hospitals and school districts for clinical placements and student teaching.

Campus & student life

The campus serves a substantial commuter population alongside residential students, and its south-side Chicago location keeps it closely tied to the neighborhoods and parishes it has historically served.

Worth knowing

Saint Xavier's identity as a Mercy institution serving first-generation and working students shapes its support services — advising and access programs aimed at first-generation success are a real part of the campus, not just marketing language.

sxu.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate84.3%

Enrolled mid-50%—

Test policynot used

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying