Xavier University Of Louisiana admits 74.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Xavier in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% shows Xavier admits slightly more students than typical institutions of similar type and profile. This level of selectivity provides reasonable admission prospects for qualified students while maintaining academic standards. Students with solid academic credentials should view Xavier as an accessible option, though admission is not guaranteed. The moderately selective admission rate allows the university to maintain quality while serving its mission of educating diverse student populations. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests building a balanced college list with both more and less selective options remains prudent. Xavier's accessible admission combined with strong outcomes makes it an attractive choice for students seeking both opportunity and results. The 3.9 percentage point difference from peer median admission rates indicates Xavier is slightly more accessible than similar institutions.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Xavier typically score between 953-1,138 on the SAT, with a median of 1,077. SAT Math scores range from 453 to 570, while SAT Verbal scores span 500 to 568. ACT scores for admitted students fall between 19-25, with a median of 23. The middle 50% range represents the test scores of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. Students scoring below 953 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT face greater admission challenges but are not automatically excluded. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1,256, Xavier's SAT range is 179 points lower, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students across a broader academic spectrum. These test score ranges place Xavier at the 88th percentile for SAT performance and 91st percentile for ACT performance among all institutions, indicating well above average academic preparation despite the accessible admission rate. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when assessing fit, while remembering that test scores represent just one factor in holistic admission review. Applicants with scores within or above these ranges demonstrate academic readiness for Xavier's programs.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Xavier enrolls a highly diverse student body that reflects the university's commitment to educational access and opportunity. The institution serves 51.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. Additionally, 26.6% of students are first-generation college students, representing families where parents did not complete bachelor's degrees. Transfer students comprise 10.6% of enrollment, showing moderate but meaningful pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This student composition demonstrates Xavier's success in serving populations historically underrepresented in higher education, particularly within the context of a private institution. The high Pell share significantly exceeds typical private university averages, reflecting intentional efforts to maintain affordability and access. First-generation students should know that more than one in four enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive peer community. Students from lower-income families should consider the substantial 51.7% Pell share when assessing whether they will find community at Xavier. The student body composition aligns with Xavier's historical mission as a historically Black Catholic university committed to serving diverse communities.
Given Xavier's 74.5% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants receive admission. However, students seeking alternatives should consider options with different strengths, locations, or selectivity levels to build comprehensive college lists.
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Xavier maintains a 70.8% freshman retention rate, meaning roughly 7 in 10 first-year students return for sophomore year. The overall graduation rate reaches 50.2% within six years, while Pell-eligible students graduate at 43.3%. The 6.9 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates indicates some challenges for lower-income students but remains within typical ranges for institutions serving high proportions of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Compared to peer institutions with 83.1% retention and 70.0% completion rates, Xavier's outcomes reflect the additional support needs of its diverse student population. These retention and completion rates should be understood within the context of Xavier's access mission and student demographics. Students who gain admission should expect to be part of a community where persistence and graduation require commitment but are achievable with proper support. Lower-income students should weigh the Pell completion gap when considering this institution, while recognizing that 43.3% of Pell students do successfully graduate. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment they will experience, including the importance of utilizing campus support systems and staying engaged throughout their degree program.
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