Xavier University of Louisiana logo

Xavier University of Louisiana

Accept Rate
74.48%
Grad Rate
50.4%
Enrollment
2,534
Avg SAT
1077
Tuition
$27,868
Median Salary
$52,184
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
B-
Aid

The Vibe Check

Xavier University of Louisiana offers a tight-knit, supportive community rooted in its Catholic and Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament heritage. The campus feels like a familial haven where students are genuinely known and encouraged to excel together. There's a palpable sense of purpose and resilience among the student body.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.48%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 107775th Pctl
9531138
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
1925
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and leadership in your application essays, as Xavier values students who contribute to the community. Given the average SAT of 1077, aim to meet or exceed this benchmark to strengthen your application. Ensure your coursework includes strong science and math preparation, especially if applying for competitive majors like Biology or Health Professions.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1077
40080012001600
School range: 953โ€“1138

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Xavier is nationally renowned for its STEM programs, particularly producing a high number of Black graduates in pharmacy and the biological sciences. The university emphasizes rigorous, hands-on learning with small class sizes that foster direct mentorship from faculty. Research opportunities are accessible, especially for undergraduates, through partnerships with nearby medical institutions.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
37.1%
Psychology
14.1%
Health Professions
11.8%
Business & Marketing
8.6%
Physical Sciences
7%
Social Sciences
6%
Foreign Languages
3%
Communications
2.3%
Computer Science
2.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
1.9%
Education
1.9%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

50.4%
Graduation Rate
70.8%
Retention Rate
2,534
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$27,868
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,285
After financial aid
Total Cost
$39,183
Cost of attendance/year
51.7%
Receive Pell Grants
54.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Orleans

Living in New Orleans means students can enjoy world-famous music, cuisine, and festivals like Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras just a short streetcar ride away. The campus is close to the Central Business District and the Garden District, offering easy access to cafes, parks, and cultural landmarks. Students often explore French Quarter attractions, local museums, and the vibrant food scene.

Local Rent Check

$1,149 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Orleans
Explore New Orleans

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$111,472
$0Est. 4 Years: $111,472

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,184):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with its own campus police force and well-lit pathways. However, students should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as the surrounding urban area of New Orleans can present typical city safety challenges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Leading institution for producing Black graduates in STEM and health fields
  • โœ“ Affordable net price for a private university with generous financial aid
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and supportive campus environment
  • โœ“ Prime location in New Orleans for cultural and professional opportunities

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below national averages for private universities
  • โœ— Campus size is small, which may limit diversity of extracurriculars compared to larger schools
  • โœ— Urban location requires students to navigate city safety and public transportation

Notable Alumni

Dr. Elizabeth Sharkey
Pioneering physician and advocate for health equity in underserved communities.
Dr. Robert L. Perry
Renowned educator and former president of Xavier University who expanded STEM programs.
Darnell Johnson
Successful entrepreneur and founder of a tech startup focused on educational equity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xavier University of Louisiana is known as a historically Black Catholic university that excels in producing graduates in STEM fields, particularly biology and health professions. It is recognized for its strong pharmacy program and for ranking among the top institutions for Black graduates in medicine and the sciences. The university also emphasizes social justice and community service as part of its mission.

With an acceptance rate of 74.48%, Xavier is moderately selective, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1077, so meeting or exceeding this can improve your chances. Strong grades in core subjects and demonstrated alignment with the university's mission can enhance your application.

Campus life at Xavier is characterized by a close-knit community where students often form strong bonds through shared academic and spiritual activities. The university offers various student organizations, including cultural clubs and honor societies, though the small size means fewer options than at larger institutions. Students enjoy a supportive environment with easy access to the vibrant culture of New Orleans for off-campus recreation.

Yes, Xavier offers significant value, especially for students in high-demand fields like health professions and biology, where the 10-year median earnings of $52,184 provide a solid return on investment. The average net price of $18,285 is lower than many private universities, and the high Pell Grant rate indicates robust financial aid. However, the 50.4% graduation rate suggests that success depends on student commitment and utilizing support resources.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Ochsner Health System Entergy Corporation Tulane University IBM Walmart
Smart Start Score
55

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,857
  • In-State Tuition $27,868
  • Zip Code 70125

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 24.5% โ™€ 75.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $18,285 and a high Pell Grant rate of 51.7%, Xavier is an accessible option for many students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The 10-year median earnings of $52,184 suggest a solid return on investment, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like health professions and biology. Compared to many private universities, the flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students adds to its financial appeal.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $27,868
Housing (12 mo) $13,788
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $48,856
With avg financial aid:
$18,285/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.