Xavier University
Xavier University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Xavier University at a Glance
Xavier University is a private Jesuit university in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It is the sixth-oldest Catholic and fourth-oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Xavier had an enrollment of approximately 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students as of 2024. The school's system comprises the main campus in Cincinnati, as well as regional locations for its accelerated nursing program in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.
1831
195 years old
$301M
$300.65 million (2025)
5,648
4,455 undergrad · 1,193 grad
392
205 acres
Identity
Is Xavier University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Xavier University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $64,873 — 21% above average — while paying $32,997/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Xavier University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Xavier University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #55 of 80 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 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #55 | Xavier University | 34 | $32,997 | $64,873 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Xavier University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in OH.
Best Programs at Xavier University
The highest-earning program at Xavier University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $26,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Xavier University earns $56,000, while a Biology, General graduate earns $26,800. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,997/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 | $56,000 | $56,000 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,800 | $53,800 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $48,400 | $48,400 | $26,128 |
| Marketing | $46,700 | $46,700 | $26,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $46,600 | $46,600 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $44,600 | $44,600 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,600 | $43,600 | $26,252 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $37,600 | $37,600 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $33,700 | $33,700 | $22,750 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $32,300 | $32,300 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,200 | $32,200 | $25,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $30,900 | $30,900 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,500 | $30,500 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $26,863 |
| Biology, General | $26,800 | $26,800 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Cincinnati, OH
- Student Body
- 4,207 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,997
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $64,873
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250