Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
Saint Xavier University is a distinguished four-year private institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846. Chicago’s oldest Catholic university and the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States, Saint Xavier provides a transformative educational experience to more than 3,400 students at its Chicago campus with a diverse range of program offerings through its College of Liberal Arts and Education, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Graham School of Management. As a mission-driven, student-centered institution, Saint Xavier opens doors to bright futures and is consistently recognized as one of the best in the Midwest.
Get to know Saint Xavier University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Marching band
- Music ensembles
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
“I am a graduate student in Saint Xavier University’s Speech-Language Pathology program. What attracted me to SXU was the on-campus Ludden Speech and Language clinic and the fact that it was a small, intimate program. As a Black woman in a field often dominated by those who don’t look like me, I am passionate about communication sciences and disorders, and I want to represent and serve the underrepresented and underserved in my community just as SXU’s founding Sisters of Mercy did.
Ranked among the most diverse schools in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report, SXU is dedicated to serving a diverse community in conjunction with its core values, which made it easy for me to flourish in such a welcoming environment. I plan to be a pediatric speech therapist, and the developmental disorders of speech and language courses were significantly impactful on my post-grad goals.” – Brianna Brown ‘25 (Speech-Language Pathology)
One of the core values of Saint Xavier University is service, and as such, SXU features programs and classes that encourage students to make the most of their education. This includes things like study abroad programs, internships, community service projects, and student-driven research to ensure a well-rounded experience.
Students benefit from an active, collaborative learning environment. Professors are readily available to offer the necessary support, encouragement, and intellectual stimulation. Perhaps most significantly, students acquire lifelong skills in writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving, prepared to take on every sphere of life.
STUDY ABROAD
Saint Xavier University students can participate in two types of programs abroad:
- SXU sponsored short-term programs led by SXU faculty members.
- Non-SXU sponsored short-term, semester and academic year programs organized by other U.S. universities or program providers.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
As a Mercy institution, service opportunities are offered across the Saint Xavier campus community to provide a service to those in need. Participating encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones, see the world from a different perspective and reflect on the deeper meaning of service to others. Students gain greater understanding and empathy of marginalized groups as they confront issues of poverty, racism, discrimination, and environmental issues. SXU’s Spring Break Service Trip trip offers students the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones and do service to and with the local community. A group of students, accompanied by a staff companion, will travel to spend several days living simply in community, providing daily service to those in need, and reflecting on the causes of poverty and the deeper meaning of Christian service. The International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, Central America, lets students experience a new culture while building a home for a needy family.
Campus Ministry also offers other local opportunities to serve throughout spring break. Students, staff, and faculty, can join a group for a half-day service trip to a Chicago-area nonprofit to volunteer. The service sites vary each year based on local need and interest of students.
HONORS PROGRAM
Incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential (based on test scores, GPA, and other factors) are invited to participate in the Honors Program. Open to students in any major, the Honors Program offers an enriched academic experience that provides more time for in-depth and advanced study. Honors students often work closely with a faculty advisor on research and other collaborative projects.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 0%
Hispanic/Latinx: 44%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 12%
White, non-Hispanic: 37%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 2%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 2%
“My philosophy is to pursue what genuinely captivates your interest with unwavering dedication. If the intricacies of biology spark your curiosity, as they do for me, then I highly encourage you to be inquisitive and ask plenty of questions. The faculty at Saint Xavier University possess a true passion for their subjects and welcome intellectual curiosity. Remember that true learning often transcends passively accepting information; it flourishes through active engagement, speculation, and the thoughtful posing of questions.”
– Andrew Lux ‘25 (Biology Pre-Health)
PASSIONATE PROFESSORS
Current students and SXU graduates consistently identify SXU faculty as the best part of their academic experience. SXU faculty are trained as research scholars and recognized as experts in their field of study. Of the nearly 115 full-time faculty, 65% have the highest degree in their discipline. More importantly, they’re distinguished by their dedication to teaching undergraduates, openly available to students thanks to a student-to-faculty ratio of only 16:1.
ROAR
The first step to becoming a successful Saint Xavier University student is through participation in a ROAR (first-year orientation) session during the summer before classes start. ROAR is designed specifically to make the transition to college life as smooth as possible, and students continue to talk about the great times they had meeting new classmates and learning about SXU long after their session. Coinciding with the University initiative to open doors to bright futures, this program takes a distinctive approach to fostering student achievement in all areas of life.
SXU COLLEGES
The College of Liberal Arts and Education is dedicated to providing students with a challenging general education program that cultivates critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration as students explore arts and sciences disciplines. SXU is the first in Illinois to offer a fully online elementary education master’s program that leads to a professional educator’s license and 1 of 8 Chicago-area universities that are part of the NSF-funded PUMA STEM Alliance, which is focused on increasing the number of underserved minorities in STEM programs (NSF 1911271). The Education Division offers NCATE-accredited undergraduate programs in early childhood education and elementary education as well as a secondary education certification for students majoring in art, biology, English, and other fields. At the undergraduate level, Saint Xavier is one of the five largest private not-for-profit providers of teachers in Illinois. In the metropolitan Chicago area, it is estimated that more than 174,000 schoolchildren a day are taught by a teacher from SXU.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). U.S. News & World Report ranks SXU’s undergraduate nursing program third in Illinois and graduate program second in the nation.
The Graham School of Management is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and provides a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on professional experience. SXU is also among the top 6% of business programs worldwide that are AACSB accredited.
SXU’s Degree Completion Programs accommodate the educational needs of busy working adults. The professional studies degrees are designed for transfer students seeking advancement in business, management, the hospitality industry, and other fields.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cooperative education program
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
“My experience at SXU was beyond anything I could have imagined. The community we have built is like no other – fun, inclusive, and fruitful. My courses aligned well with my career interests, and I participated in on-campus activities like Paint Jams, where you join with the other students to have a fun time painting on huge wooden canvases together. I also had the opportunity to design the 2024 senior thesis exhibition postcards. My experience opened up my mind and prepared me for the life I wish to achieve: being an artist, expressing creativity, and making art for myself and others.” – Alyssa Surdyk ‘24 (Art and Design)
Students can discover countless opportunities to enhance their education through clubs and organizations, athletic activities, and community service. Saint Xavier is a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
At Saint Xavier, over 40 active registered student organizations (RSOs) are available to allow students to connect with like-minded individuals in academic, cultural, service-oriented, spiritual, honorary, professional, social justice, or special interest organizations. Extracurricular involvement allows students to share their interests with others while developing lifelong friendships. It also reinforces the active, collaborative learning environment in the classroom.
In addition to the wide variety of RSOs available, students can also play club or intramural sports, apply to be an X-Factor Student Leader, earn a Cougars LEAD certificate, participate in student government, or even host a radio show. Whatever interests or special talents a student may have, there is probably a group of like-minded students to join. And if there isn’t, Saint Xavier encourages students to start their own RSO and build their own legacy at SXU!
RESIDENCE LIFE
Many SXU students take advantage of the University’s new and expanding residential facilities. Though many undergraduate live on campus, over half of all SXU students are commuters. Saint Xavier Council (SXC) and the Commuter Services Program help to keep this diverse commuter population connected to one another as well as to on-campus activities and events.
GUEST LECTURES
Students have had the opportunity to hear from such world-renowned leaders as Colin Powell, Elie Wiesel, and Madeleine Albright through the SXU Voices and Visions Lecture Series.
DIVERSITY
SXU students come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of interests and goals. More than 75% are first-generation college students. Saint Xavier University has been ranked highly for its diverse student population, with more than one-third of SXU undergraduates coming from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Nestled in a quiet corner in one of the nation’s biggest, most diverse cities, Saint Xavier University is home to over 3,400 students from 45 different states and 13 different countries. The University has one of the most diverse student populations among universities in the Midwest and is one of the safest college campuses in Illinois.
Saint Xavier is located only 20-30 minutes from downtown Chicago, which is full of world-class museums, shopping, restaurants, theaters, and more. The city is an inexhaustible source of cultural enrichment, recreation, and inspiration.
ATHLETICS
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
All-American Student Athletes
#1 Champions of Mid-States Football Midwest League
National Tournament Appearances
20 varsity teams
Men’s teams: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field, and volleyball
Women’s teams: basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball
Co-ed teams: esports, cheerleading and Paw Prints (a dance team)
Intramurals: SXU has a variety of intramurals.
Mascot: Champ the Cougar
Colors: Scarlet and Gray
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 26%
Undergraduates: 16%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for married students
“The University has a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. I love the meaningful discussions, personalized attention, and mentorship offered by faculty and the opportunities to engage in hands-on research and experiential learning. The vibrant campus community and diverse student body provide an enriching and inclusive atmosphere that has enhanced my overall college experience. By attending SXU, I’ve been able to pursue my academic and career goals while facilitating personal growth and development in a nurturing and inspiring environment. The tax and audit internships I completed were valuable opportunities for me. Not only did SXU help me obtain these internships, but I received credits for completing them. The internships provided hands-on experience that allowed me to apply my knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios.” – Hanan Hamdan ‘24 (Accounting)
SUPPORT SERVICES
SXU is deeply committed to student success. The University offers academic resources and support services that encourage achievement not only academically, but also personally and professionally. Academic resources—such as the Center for Accessibility Services, the Center for Learning and Student Support, and TRIO—are designed to facilitate the mastery of study strategies and learning skills to improve overall academic performance. Through services like the Counseling Center and the Health Center, students can also maintain their health and personal growth.
The Career Development Center promotes student success both in school and after graduation with supportive resources and programming, including workshops, panels, employer information sessions, and such recruiting events as networking nights and the College-to-Career Expo. Advisors use a holistic advising approach to tend to individual career and academic needs, including assistance with course selection, major and career exploration, career readiness, job search, and graduate and professional school. The Career Development Center prepares, educates, and connects students with pre-professional opportunities, internships, and micro-internships to develop lifelong skills valued by employers, and it goes further to encourage student involvement in service, leadership opportunities, and mentorship.
CAPSTONE PROJECTS
Saint Xavier University encourages in-depth research and student-faculty collaboration through senior capstone courses. Typically held in a two-semester format, this course allows students across most major programs to encapsulate the cumulative skills and knowledge they have developed throughout their years with the University. Research, analysis, and faculty collaboration prepare the students to present their projects in conferences and other formal settings, including the annual Research Expo. The Student-Faculty Collaborative Research (SFCR) initiative reflects SXU’s leadership commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship, all while providing teams of faculty and students the opportunity to address meaningful research questions through engaging high-impact educational practices.
INTERNSHIPS
Students from a variety of academic areas participate in internships with regional professionals. SXU encourages internships so that students may build a career-related work record to increase their marketability and value to employers after graduation.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores | Application Essay
Important
Rigor of secondary school record
Considered
Recommendation(s) | Interview | Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities
TEST SCORES
Required
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 470 | 75th Percentile: 560
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 560
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
ADMISSION PROCESS
SXU has a rolling admission policy, which means there’s no set deadline for submitting an application. However, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible during their senior year of high school. Students can apply for freshman admission to SXU by submitting the paper application or by completing the application online.
Apply online and the $25 application fee will be waived. Freshman applicants must submit a completed application for admission; a $25 application fee (unless applying online); official high school transcript or GED score report; ACT or SAT I score report (unless included on high school transcript); and personal essay.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $33,630
Fees: $1,100
Room: $6,720
Board: $4,820
What Others are Saying
Contact Saint Xavier University
Contact Admissions
sxu.edu/admission/contact
(773) 298-3050
admission@sxu.edu
Campus Location
3700 W. 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 298-3000