Saint Xavier University was founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy as the Academy of Our Lady, making it the oldest Catholic university in Chicago and one of the first Mercy institutions of higher education in the United States. It received university status in 1969 and has grown from a small women's academy into a comprehensive, coeducational institution. SXU is best known for its nursing, education, and health sciences programs, and it is regularly recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and for its commitment to social mobility.
The 109-acre Mount Carmel campus in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood offers a close-knit, suburban-feeling environment within city limits, with a second campus in Orland Park. Small class sizes, an emphasis on service learning, and Mercy values of compassion and justice shape student life. Many students are first-generation and commute, though residence halls and NCAA athletics (the Cougars, competing in NAIA) provide a lively campus community.
| Type | Private |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Total students | 3,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 11:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 58% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
| In-state tuition | $35,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 99% |
| SAT range | 950-1150 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.4 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.