Students at Saint Xavier University achieve earnings that far exceed what similar students earn at comparable institutions, reflecting exceptional value and preparation quality.
The university combines this earnings advantage with strong affordability and proven success in supporting first-generation and Pell-eligible students toward meaningful economic mobility.
Saint Xavier University delivers exceptional value as a private nonprofit institution, combining the personalized attention of a medium-sized campus with outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Located in Chicago, this Catholic university serves a diverse student body where 56% receive Pell Grants and nearly half are first-generation college students, yet maintains strong graduation rates and impressive long-term earnings outcomes.
What distinguishes Saint Xavier is its ability to support students from varied backgrounds into meaningful career success. Graduates earn a median of $58,656 ten years after enrollment, with the university ranking in the top third nationally for long-term earnings. More importantly, Saint Xavier delivers substantial earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning significantly more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
As a designated Mobility Engine, Saint Xavier combines broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, graduating 144 students annually with median earnings of $65,475, while business and psychology programs also provide solid pathways to career success. For families seeking a private university experience with predictable costs and proven outcomes, Saint Xavier represents an outstanding value proposition in higher education.
Saint Xavier University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation with clear career pathways. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 144 students annually with strong median earnings of $65,475, making it the university's primary economic engine. This large, successful program reflects Saint Xavier's strength in health sciences education and Chicago's robust healthcare employment market.
Business programs provide solid middle-management preparation, with Accounting Technology graduates earning $52,107 in early career roles that typically lead to steady advancement. General Business majors, while earning more modest starting salaries around $39,969, often see earnings growth over time as they move into supervisory and management positions across diverse industries.
Psychology remains popular with 72 graduates annually, though early earnings of $27,295 reflect the field's emphasis on graduate school preparation and human services careers that prioritize mission over maximum compensation. The program serves students well as preparation for advanced degrees in counseling, social work, and related fields where Saint Xavier's values-based education provides strong foundation for service-oriented careers.
Saint Xavier University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,656, placing the university in the top third nationally for earnings performance. More significantly, Saint Xavier delivers substantial earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning far more than similar students at comparable institutions across the country.
The university's program mix drives these strong outcomes, with nursing leading the way as both the highest-return and largest program. Adult Health Nursing graduates 144 students annually with median earnings of $65,475, creating the university's strongest economic engine. Business programs, including Accounting Technology with median earnings of $52,107, provide solid middle-management pathways, while Psychology remains popular with 72 graduates annually earning $27,295 in early career roles that often lead to graduate school or human services careers.
Saint Xavier's location in Chicago provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, business, education, and social services sectors. The university's strong track record of exceeding earnings expectations suggests that graduates benefit from quality preparation, strong alumni networks, and institutional support that translates into meaningful career advancement over time.
Saint Xavier University offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families who benefit from substantial institutional financial aid. Low-income students pay an average net price of $9,181 annually, well below typical private university costs, while middle-income families see net prices around $11,794 per year. Even higher-income families pay $18,294 annually, representing significant savings compared to sticker price at most private institutions.
The university's financial aid strategy makes private education accessible to a broad range of families. With 56% of students receiving Pell Grants, Saint Xavier demonstrates a strong commitment to serving students from modest economic backgrounds while maintaining educational quality. The predictable pricing structure helps families plan effectively across four years of study.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Federal student loan debt averages $22,223, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,494 for families who choose this option. Given that graduates earn nearly $59,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably, and the university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations over time.
Saint Xavier University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
