Xavier University

Overview

Xavier University is one of Ohio's most esteemed private institutions, rooted in the Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence, service to others, and the development of the whole person. Founded in 1831 in Cincinnati, Xavier is the sixth-oldest Jesuit university in the United States and enrolls approximately 7,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.

Xavier's Jesuit mission of cura personalis — care for the whole person — infuses every aspect of the student experience, from rigorous academics to community engagement and spiritual growth. The university's mid-size enrollment allows students to benefit from a more personal educational experience than many large universities provide, though students seeking the most intimate liberal arts environment with the closest faculty mentoring may prefer smaller Ohio institutions like Wittenberg University.

Academics & Programs

Xavier offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs through three colleges.

Notable Academic Programs

• Williams College of Business: One of Xavier's flagship programs, AACSB-accredited, known for strong finance, accounting, and management programs with excellent job placement rates.
• College of Nursing: Highly regarded in the region, with strong clinical partnerships and consistently high NCLEX pass rates.
• College of Arts and Sciences: Offers a Jesuit liberal arts core curriculum that develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills.
• Psychology: One of Xavier's most popular programs, offering research opportunities and clinical experience.
• Education: Strong teacher preparation programs with hands-on classroom experience.

Campus & Location

Xavier's 190-acre campus is located in the Evanston neighborhood of Cincinnati, offering a self-contained campus feel within easy reach of downtown Cincinnati's cultural attractions, restaurants, and professional opportunities.

• Cintas Center: A modern arena that hosts basketball games, concerts, and campus events.
• Conaton Learning Commons: A collaborative academic hub combining library resources, tutoring, and study spaces.
• Smith Hall: Home to the Williams College of Business.

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati offers a vibrant urban setting with a thriving food scene, professional sports (Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati), world-class arts and culture, and ample internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region, including Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank.

Campus Life & Student Experience

Xavier fosters a strong sense of community rooted in Jesuit values. Over 160 student organizations cover academic, service, cultural, and recreational interests. Xavier's commitment to service is reflected in its strong community engagement programs, with students contributing thousands of service hours annually.

Athletics

The Xavier Musketeers compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big East Conference. Xavier's men's basketball program is the university's most prominent athletic program, with a rich history of NCAA Tournament success and passionate fan support at the Cintas Center. The university also sponsors competitive programs in soccer, swimming, golf, tennis, cross country, and track and field.

Admissions

• Acceptance Rate: ~78%
• Average GPA: 3.4-3.7
• Test-Optional: Yes
• Application: Common Application

Costs & Financial Aid

Xavier provides generous financial aid, with over 98% of first-year students receiving some form of assistance. Merit scholarships range from several thousand to full tuition for the most qualified applicants.

Outcomes & Alumni

Xavier graduates are well-regarded in business, healthcare, education, and service professions. The university's Cincinnati location provides strong career networks and alumni connections throughout the region and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions