Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Saint Xavier University at a Glance
Saint Xavier University is a private Catholic university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university enrolls 3,749 students.
1846
180 years old
3,286
2,893 undergrad · 393 grad
109 acres
Identity
Is Saint Xavier University Worth It?
Saint Xavier University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $10,970/year, it's priced 46% below average, while graduates go on to earn $58,656 — 9% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 58% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: Saint Xavier University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Saint Xavier University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #2 of 158 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Saint Xavier University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in IL.
Best Programs at Saint Xavier University
The highest-earning program at Saint Xavier University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at $27,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Saint Xavier University earns $64,700, while a Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology graduate earns $27,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,584 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,970/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,700 | $64,700 | $26,584 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,900 | $47,900 | $24,494 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $40,200 | $40,200 | $24,440 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $39,800 | $39,800 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $39,400 | $39,400 | $24,255 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,700 | $37,700 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,600 | $36,600 | $24,102 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,500 | $32,500 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $31,700 | $31,700 | $25,500 |
| Biology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $24,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,100 | $29,100 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,700 | $28,700 | $21,500 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $27,200 | $27,200 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 3,096 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,970
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,656
- Median Student Debt
- $22,223