Saint Xavier University ranks among the top 5% of institutions nationally for earnings beyond expectations, generating $44,480 more than predicted for graduates. This exceptional value-added performance occurs alongside accessible admission and affordable net costs, creating strong return on investment for students from diverse backgrounds.
With top-tier performance, driven by the institution's extraordinary earnings beyond expectations results
With well above average performance, indicating controlled costs and reasonable debt levels
With well above average performance, reflecting strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With typical performance around the national average, reflecting the institution's focus on access and value-added outcomes rather than absolute earnings levels
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisSaint Xavier University delivers exceptional earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels and affordable net costs. Graduates earn $44,480 above predicted outcomes based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, placing the university at the 98.9th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This extraordinary uplift occurs alongside median earnings of $58,656, creating favorable conditions for long-term financial stability. Median student debt remains reasonable at $22,223, slightly below the peer median of $24,181, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38.
Students seeking programs in nursing, business, or criminal justice at an accessible private institution with strong earnings beyond expectations. Well-suited for first-generation students (49.4%) and Pell-eligible students (56.0%) looking for a Catholic university in Chicago with demonstrated value-added outcomes despite moderate overall earnings levels.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Saint Xavier University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/saint-xavier-university/analysis.
Exceptional value-added earnings performance
Saint Xavier University ranks #178 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 89.1st percentile and well above average outcomes. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized private nonprofit Catholic university maintains open access admissions with an 85.8% acceptance rate while delivering exceptional value-added earnings performance.
Saint Xavier University enrolls 56.0% Pell-eligible students and 49.4% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to serving diverse student populations. Graduates earn $44,480 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationally, ranking at the 98.9th percentile and placing the institution among the highest we track for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $58,656 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 68th percentile nationally. The institution's Opportunity Builders designation reflects its role in providing educational access while generating strong value-added outcomes for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
Saint Xavier University admits 85.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 6 in 7 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access category, significantly higher than the peer median admission rate of 70.6%.
The 15.2 percentage point difference from peer institutions indicates Saint Xavier University maintains more accessible admission standards than typical four-year colleges. For prospective students, this means admission is highly likely for students who meet basic academic requirements and demonstrate genuine interest in the institution's mission and programs.
The high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to educational access and suggests that students should focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than competitive positioning against other applicants. Students should expect the application process to emphasize academic readiness, program alignment, and potential for success rather than highly selective screening.
Saint Xavier University's open access approach creates opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions while maintaining academic standards through retention and completion support systems.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
144 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
40 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
34 graduates
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
25 graduates
Digital Marketing.
44 graduates
Saint Xavier University offers 13 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads institutional outcomes, ranking #96 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 144 students with median earnings of $74,864 and a value score of 65.3.
Business/Commerce, General ranks #26 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 61 graduates with median earnings of $57,865. Corrections Administration ranks #17 nationally and #3 in Illinois, graduating 41 students with median earnings of $56,487 and an exceptional value score of 91.6.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #59 nationally and #4 in Illinois, graduating 40 students with median earnings of $72,197. Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology ranks #20 nationally and #2 in Illinois, producing 25 graduates with median earnings of $61,614.
Digital Marketing ranks #91 nationally and #6 in Illinois, graduating 44 students with median earnings of $59,031. These programs demonstrate consistent strength across healthcare, business, and professional services fields.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Saint Xavier University's published cost of attendance reaches $42,237 annually, including $36,840 in tuition, $12,480 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,093 representing substantial savings of $30,144 from the sticker price.
This 71% reduction in actual costs demonstrates the institution's commitment to affordability through financial aid. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $27,143, Saint Xavier University costs $15,050 less annually.
The dramatic difference between published price and net cost reflects targeted aid strategies that make private education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. Saint Xavier University's net price falls well below both peer comparisons and many public alternatives, creating favorable conditions for educational access.
Students should focus on net cost rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the institution's aid programs substantially reduce actual expenses for most families.
Saint Xavier University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and exceptional performance relative to expectations. Median earnings increase from $50,784 six years after enrollment to $56,175 at eight years and $58,656 at ten years, representing 15.5% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 1,322 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $44,480 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 98.9th percentile nationally and among the highest we track for value-added performance.
Earnings span from $39,439 at the 25th percentile to $84,749 at the 75th percentile, reflecting program diversity and career path variation. Low-income graduates earn $44,900, demonstrating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Approximately 28.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The combination of accessible admission standards with exceptional earnings uplift positions Saint Xavier University as an institution that adds substantial value to student outcomes.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Swarthmore College Similar quality tier (#190 ranked) | PA | 7% | $80,257 | #190 | Compare |
Williams College Similar quality tier (#185 ranked) | MA | 10% | $88,665 | #185 | Compare |
Amherst College Similar quality tier (#177 ranked) | MA | 10% | $77,644 | #177 | Compare |
Wellesley College Similar quality tier (#202 ranked) | MA | 14% | $84,803 | #202 | Compare |
Davidson College Similar quality tier (#204 ranked) | NC | 14% | $81,400 | #204 | Compare |