Saint Xavier University

About Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University carries forward a 175-year tradition of Catholic higher education in Chicago, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846 as one of the first Catholic institutions of higher learning chartered in Illinois. The university began as Saint Francis Xavier Academy for Females and evolved through the decades into a coeducational university serving a diverse student population. Today the main campus sits in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood on Chicago's far southwest side, with additional locations serving adult learners in Orland Park and downtown Chicago. With approximately 3,030 students, SXU maintains the personal attention characteristic of smaller institutions while offering the programs and resources of a comprehensive university. The Mercy tradition emphasizes service to others, particularly to underserved communities, a value woven throughout curriculum and campus culture. The university serves many first-generation college students and students from working families, providing pathways to professional careers that transform family trajectories. Academic programs span arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing, with a teaching focus that ensures students learn from professors rather than teaching assistants.

Applying to Saint Xavier University involves a straightforward process designed to identify students who will thrive in the university's supportive academic environment. Admissions evaluates high school transcripts, looking at both grades and course selection to assess college readiness. Standardized test scores from SAT or ACT are considered as one element among several, with test-optional policies available for students who believe their scores do not reflect their abilities. Personal essays give applicants opportunity to share context about their backgrounds, goals, and reasons for choosing SXU. Recommendation letters from teachers or counselors provide additional perspective on applicant characteristics. Campus visits and interviews help both applicants and admission staff assess fit, though neither is required. The application deadline for fall semester falls in spring, with rolling admission decisions providing timely responses. Transfer students from community colleges and other four-year institutions find clear pathways with generous credit transfer policies. Financial aid packages typically combine federal aid, state grants for Illinois residents, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Merit scholarships recognize academic achievement, with additional awards for leadership, service, and particular talents. The acceptance rate of approximately 86% reflects the university's mission of providing educational access rather than exclusivity.

Academic programs at Saint Xavier University balance practical career preparation with the broader intellectual formation characteristic of Catholic liberal arts education. The Graham School of Management offers business programs combining traditional business disciplines with attention to ethics and social responsibility. The School of Nursing has built a strong reputation in the Chicago area, with clinical partnerships at major hospitals providing hands-on experience. Education programs prepare teachers for Illinois certification, with field placements in Chicago-area schools beginning early in the curriculum. The College of Arts and Sciences offers majors across humanities, sciences, and social sciences, with many students combining arts and sciences courses with professional program study. Class sizes rarely exceed thirty students, enabling genuine discussion rather than passive lecture attendance. Faculty hold terminal degrees in their fields and maintain active scholarship while prioritizing teaching and student mentorship. Academic advising provides guidance from enrollment through graduation, helping students navigate requirements and explore options. Undergraduate research opportunities exist across departments, with students presenting work at campus symposia and sometimes at regional conferences. Honors programs challenge high-achieving students with advanced coursework and independent projects.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Saint Xavier University creates a welcoming community where students from varied backgrounds find connection and support. The residential experience houses students in dormitories on the Mount Greenwood campus, creating a living-learning environment where friendships form naturally. Student organizations span interests from academic honor societies to cultural groups celebrating student heritage to service organizations continuing the Mercy tradition. Athletic programs compete in NCAA Division II, with loyal fan bases supporting teams in basketball, soccer, softball, and other sports. The student government provides leadership opportunities and channels student perspectives into university decision-making. Campus Ministry coordinates religious services, retreats, and service opportunities for students of all faith backgrounds, while the Center for Academic Success offers tutoring and academic support. The Counseling Center provides mental health services, recognizing that student wellbeing extends beyond academics. Campus events throughout the year include performances, lectures, cultural celebrations, and community-building activities. Chicago's attractions remain accessible via public transportation, offering world-class museums, professional sports, music venues, and dining options. The Mount Greenwood neighborhood provides a safe, residential setting while remaining connected to urban opportunities.

Location & Surroundings

The main SXU campus spreads across 75 acres in Mount Greenwood, a stable residential neighborhood on Chicago's far southwest side known for its strong community ties and relatively affordable housing. The campus combines historic buildings with modern additions, creating a traditional college atmosphere within the city limits. Academic buildings include classrooms, laboratories, and specialized facilities for nursing simulation, art studios, and athletic training. The Shannon Center houses athletics facilities including a gymnasium, fitness center, and pool used for intercollegiate competition and student recreation. Outdoor athletic fields support soccer, baseball, and softball programs while providing recreational space for informal activity. The library offers both quiet study space and collaborative areas, with access to electronic resources extending research capabilities beyond physical collections. Dining facilities serve students living on campus and commuters, with options ranging from cafeteria meals to grab-and-go items. The Orland Park campus in a nearby suburb offers convenient access for students from south suburban communities. A downtown Chicago location serves graduate students and working professionals. Public transportation connections link the Mount Greenwood campus to the broader Chicago area.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Graduates from Saint Xavier University enter careers prepared by both professional training and the broader education the university provides. Nursing graduates find positions at hospitals throughout the Chicago region, often at clinical sites where they completed placements during their studies. Education program graduates take teaching positions in Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts, with the university's reputation in education circles opening doors. Business graduates join companies in accounting, finance, marketing, and management, with some pursuing graduate studies in business. Arts and sciences graduates follow varied paths into careers in healthcare, social services, communications, and other fields, sometimes after graduate or professional school. Career Services supports students from freshman year through graduation and beyond, providing resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search guidance. Internship programs connect students with employers during their studies, often leading to job offers upon graduation. Alumni networks in Chicago provide mentorship and hiring opportunities, with graduates remembering the support they received and paying it forward. Graduate school acceptance rates demonstrate student preparation for advanced study. The university tracks graduate outcomes, reporting strong employment rates and satisfaction scores among recent graduates.