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Mission

´ó²¤Âܸ£Àûµ¼, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is Catholic and historically Black. The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

Academics

The University’s major academic units are the College of Arts and Sciences (which awards baccalaureate degrees as well as master’s degrees in Education, Counseling, Public Health Sciences, and Speech-Language Pathology and a doctorate in Educational Leadership) and the College of Pharmacy (which awards the Doctor of Pharmacy, the Master of Health Sciences, and the Master of Science). The University also awards the Master of Theology through its Institute for Black Catholic Studies.

Xavier offers preparation in over 50 major areas on the undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels. Undergraduate students, regardless of their major are required to complete forty hours of core curriculum courses that will challenge students to think critically and normatively about their world, regions, communities, and themselves.

Accreditations

´ó²¤Âܸ£Àûµ¼ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to grant baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. ´ó²¤Âܸ£Àûµ¼ is authorized to offer certificates at approved degree levels. If you have any questions about ´ó²¤Âܸ£Àûµ¼'s accreditation, please direct them in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

´ó²¤Âܸ£Àûµ¼ is also accredited by multiple professional bodies including ACPE, CAEP, CACREP, NASM, and others as listed in the full accreditation statement.

Enrollment

The total enrollment for fall 2023 was 3,181, which included a freshman class of 692. Of these, 2,586 are undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, 178 are students in the College of Pharmacy, and 412 are graduate students.

Students

From its founding Xavier has embraced a special mission to serve the African American Catholic community; however, its doors have always been open to qualified students of every race and creed. Today, 79% percent of its enrollment is African American/Black and seven percent is Catholic. Almost 40% of Xavier students are from Louisiana (36.8%), primarily from the New Orleans area. Non-local enrollment continues to increase with students coming from 42 other states and U.S. territories. Twenty-four foreign countries are represented on campus.

Student life is enriched by the social and cultural setting of New Orleans, and by campus activities designed to enhance personal growth, leadership, and service.

Admissions and Retention

The Office of Admissions seeks to enroll a diverse student body. The average ACT and SAT scores for entering freshmen in 2023 were 22 and 1063. The retention rate of first-time freshmen is 70.8%.

Advanced Degrees

In 2023, 38% of College of Arts and Sciences graduates matriculated directly into graduate or professional programs.

Rankings and Distinctions

Xavier is recognized nationally for excellence in education and social mobility.

• AAMC report highlights Xavier as a top producer of African American medical school graduates.
• Plexuss ranked Xavier #2 HBCU nationally.
• U.S. News ranked Xavier #3 HBCU nationally (2022).
• Princeton Review listed Xavier among best colleges nationwide.
• Niche ranked Xavier among top HBCUs in the U.S.
• Multiple other rankings highlight excellence in value, innovation, and social mobility.

Budget and Endowment

The University’s unrestricted operating revenue is more than $125 million, and endowment value exceeds $178 million. More than 87% of students receive need-based aid.

Research and Sponsored Programs

Xavier ranks highly among HBCUs and national institutions in NIH, NSF, and HHS funding, with strong research programs in biomedical and STEM fields.

Partnerships

Xavier maintains partnerships with institutions including Google, IBM, NASA collaborators, health systems, and multiple universities to expand education and research opportunities.

Grants

Xavier has received major grants from foundations and federal agencies including the NSF, NIH, Mellon Foundation, and Coca-Cola Foundation to support research, STEM, and student success initiatives.

Future Directions

Xavier’s strategic priorities include increasing scholarships, expanding research, strengthening academic excellence, and supporting student success in graduate and professional pathways.