
Cincinnati, OHprivate nonprofitxavier.edu
Xavier University, a Jesuit Catholic institution in Cincinnati, Ohio, combines rigorous academics with a strong sense of community. Known for its standout pre-med program (86% acceptance rate to professional schools) and intimate 11:1 student-faculty ratio, Xavier balances accessibility (86.7% acceptance rate) with solid outcomes (75% graduation rate). Its campus life thrives on tradition and service, while nearly all students receive merit aid, softening the $52K sticker price.
Xavier University maintains an 86.7% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet selective enough to cultivate a motivated student body. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1105–1290 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT, with an average high school GPA of 3.69. Notably, Xavier is test-optional, accepting the Common Application. The university received 14,571 applications for a recent cycle, admitting 12,632 students, with 4,239 enrolling—a YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. rate reflecting its regional appeal. Waitlisted students are occasionally admitted, per Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare. protocols.
Xavier’s academic strengths lie in its pre-med pipeline (86% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. to professional schools, nearly double the national average) and nursing program, which accounts for 32% of degrees conferred. The university offers 111 majors across its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Professional Sciences, and the Williams College of Business, with psychology, liberal arts, and sports management also popular. Small classes are the norm, with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The 75% graduation rate outpaces many regional peers, supported by a curriculum emphasizing experiential learning and Jesuit values of service.
Campus life at Xavier revolves around Jesuit traditions (like the Mass of Welcome for first-years) and a tight-knit community. Students can join numerous clubs and organizations, with strong participation in service opportunities and faith-based activities. The university fosters cultural pride through events and a historic campus that alumni nostalgically describe as transformative. Though not a party school, Xavier balances academic rigor with social engagement, including D1 athletics (men’s basketball is a draw) and fitness programs. Housing options are typical for a mid-sized university, with dorms fostering camaraderie.
Xavier delivers strong ROI: 72% of undergraduates graduate in 4.2 years on average, with 83% of business graduates employed full-time within six months. Early-career alumni earn $45,000 median salaries, aligning with the mix of majors. The Williams College of Business reports 12% of graduates pursue advanced degrees, while the 63.3% 3-year master’s graduation rate reflects Xavier’s support for graduate students. Pre-med outcomes are exceptional, with 98% of health professions advising participants achieving placements, underscoring the university’s academic rigor and advising network.
Tuition and fees run $52,710, but Xavier mitigates costs with universal merit aid: every admitted student receives $23,000–$33,000 annually in scholarships. The average net price after aid is $31,619, with 100% of full-time undergrads receiving grants or scholarships. Additional awards (e.g., $500–$3,500 for engagement) further reduce costs. While median debt at graduation is $23,250, Xavier’s aid policies make it competitive with public universities for many families. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps estimate individualized costs, though official aid offers provide final figures.
Xavier distinguishes itself through Jesuit-infused pre-professional training, particularly in health sciences, where its outcomes rival elite universities. The 86% pre-med acceptance rate and 98% health professions placement reflect exceptional advising. Unlike many faith-based schools, Xavier pairs spiritual grounding with real-world readiness, evidenced by business graduates’ 83% employment rate. Its high-access model (86.7% acceptance) doesn’t sacrifice outcomes—retention and graduation rates exceed benchmarks. The campus’s community feel, underscored by traditions and service, appeals to students seeking both purpose and a return on investment.