Frequently Asked Questions For Parents
Q. How does my son/daughter apply for admission?
A. Submit a completed application for admission along with a non-refundable $25 application fee, an official high school transcript or GED score report, and ACT/SAT score report. He / she may also apply online for no application fee.
Q. Is there an application deadline?
A. No, we do not have an application deadline. We have a rolling admission policy, which means you can apply at anytime. However, it is best to apply as early in the senior year as possible. Transfer students are encouraged to apply at least 2-3 months in advance.
Q. How soon after my son/daughter applies will he/she know they have been accepted?
A. Once all documents are received and processed, a letter is sent within a few days. An applicant is always welcome to call the Office of Admission at 773-298-3050 to check his/her admission status.
Q. How and when does my son/daughter apply for Financial Aid?
A. The most convenient and efficient way to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is on the web, at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Or if you prefer, a paper application can be obtained from the Financial Aid office or his/her High School Guidance Office, and mailed to the Department of Education. Since many sources of funds are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis, it is Important that you file as soon as possible after January 1, and preferably before March 1. It takes approximately 4 weeks from filing for our office to receive the results of your FAFSA. Be sure to include Saint Xavier University’s school code '001768' in question 87 on the FAFSA. For more information click here.
Q. Is there an orientation program for new students and parents?
A. Yes! The University offers four sessions of FOCUS (Freshman Orientation Centered on University Services) and Parent Orientation this summer. Please contact Campus Life at 773-298-3123 or focus@sxu.edu for more information.
Q. Where is Saint Xavier University located?
A. Saint Xavier University is located in a residential neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, near the suburbs of Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn. Downtown Chicago is about 30 minutes away by car. A second campus is located in Orland Park. Click here for more information about the campuses.
Q. How safe is the campus?
A. The University is patrolled 24 hours a day by Public Safety Officers. Emergency phones are located throughout the campus. The Department of Public Safety also serves campus residence halls. Security enhancements include a swipe-card access control system and the use of restricted keys.
Crimes against persons are very rare at Saint Xavier University. The area around the SXU campus has one of the lowest crime rates in the City of Chicago. The adjacent suburbs of Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn are also residential communities. Normal precautions taken in any city or suburban location are always a good idea.
Q. What classes are taught by teaching assistants?
A. At Saint Xavier University all classes are by professors. Teaching or graduate assistants do not teach classes.
Q. How can I schedule a campus visit?
A. Please call the Office of Admission at 800.462.9288 to schedule an appointment with an admission counselor. Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Individual arrangements can always be made by calling the Office of Admission. You can also schedule a visit online click here.
Q. What are the minimum requirements for freshmen admission?
A. A 2.5 GPA and composite ACT score of 18 are required for admission consideration. For Nursing majors a composite score of 21 is required with at least a 21 in the science section. Supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation and an additional personal essay are recommended in such cases. Students without these minimum qualifications may be considered by the Admission Committee.
Q. What is the cost of tuition including room and board per year? What types of scholarships are available?
A. The 2005-2006 cost for tuition, fees, room and board is $25,410 per year for a full time residential student. The Office of Admission offers a merit award scholarship based on ACT and GPA which ranges from $1000-$12,000, renewable each year. In addition, all students are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. Over 90% of all students at Saint Xavier receive some form of financial aid. For more information about financial assistance at SXU, click here.
Q. Can I plan for tuition and fee increases over the course of my student’s enrollment?
A. It is generally true that tuition and room and board costs increase annually. At SXU, the average increase has been 3-5% in recent years.
Q. What services are available if my son/daughter is having trouble with his/her coursework?
A. Our Learning Center provides tutors for our students at no extra cost. In addition, we have a Student Success Program (SSP) for students who qualify. The SSP serves students who are first generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities. Counselors, advisors, and academic instructors work as a team to promote academic progress until students complete a baccalaureate degree. Students receive class advising, counseling (academic, career, and personal), freshman orientation, advocacy, cultural programming, and service-learning opportunities.
Q. How many sports are offered at Saint Xavier University? What division does Saint Xavier University participate in?
A. Nine varsity sports are available for men and women. Club Sports include men’s volleyball, cheerleading and a dance team. The University offers an extensive intramural program as well. Saint Xavier competes at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I level. The Cougars are members of the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) for football and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAC) for all other sports. Learn all about Cougar Athletics.
Q. What is campus life like?
A. SXU students give our student services high marks. Over 40 student organizations are available. Dozens of student activities are offered every semester. Many of these take advantage of the great city of Chicago. Our First Year Experience will get your son or daughter off to a strong start, and from there our award winning student services will offer endless possibilities for involvement. Click here for more information.