Press Releases
Saint Xavier University's Fall 2003 Enrollment Sets Another Record
SXU’s pace of growth ranks 8th of 84 midwestern universities
CHICAGO (Oct. 24, 2003) – Marking a 42.8 percent enrollment growth since 1999, Saint Xavier University again announced record-setting numbers in both its baccalaureate and master’s programs. Its continued appeal to new students also helped the university rank 8th out of 84 midwestern universities in terms of the pace of growth.
Enrollment reached 5,581 students, a 5.6 percent increase from last year, according to Steven Murphy, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services. Undergraduate applications rose 3.2 percent from 2002-03, with 3,154 students seeking admission.
“Our continued enrollment growth is proof that Saint Xavier is not only attracting new students and freshmen, but also is retaining its existing students,” said Judith A. Dwyer, president of Saint Xavier University. “We appeal to new students, and the fine programs, exceptional education and wonderful experience have convinced them to stay.”
Since 1999, the university has made steady leaps in its undergraduate enrollment: In Fall 1999, 2,401 undergraduate students enrolled (806 newly admitted; 1,516 returning). In Fall 2003, Saint Xavier welcomed 913 newly admitted students and 2,058 returning students, bringing enrollment to a record 3,062 undergraduates.
Saint Xavier’s graduate program enrollment also topped all previous figures, with 1,166 students in the university’s field-based masters programs, which offer cohort-based masters degrees in education. Total enrollment in masters programs is 2,519, up from 2,320 for the previous year.
According to Murphy, graduate programs in business and education showed the strongest growth, up 6 percent and 30 percent respectively. New programs in school counseling, public and non-profit management and service management contributed to the growth. In total, SXU offers more than 40 graduate options.
Compared to enrollment growth at other universities in the 10-state Midwest region, SXU proved to be among the best in all categories. When measured by full-time equivalence (FTE), which takes in account how many courses students are taking as well as a simple headcount of students, Saint Xavier’s pace of growth was 8th highest of 84 institutions located throughout the Midwest region. Between 1997 and 2002, the university’s FTE grew by nearly 50 percent, while the average rate of growth among the other universities was 17 percent.
Student quantity is matched by student quality, Murphy said. “This is both the largest and the most academically talented freshman class to enroll at SXU in many years,” he said. “Our freshmen ACT scores exceed both the state and national averages by wide margins.”
The growth in enrollment is complemented by the university’s move to Orland Park, where it recently opened a permanent campus on Orland Parkway, west of the intersection of LaGrange Road and Interstate 80. When classes begin in January 2004, officials expect more than 500 enrollees. Currently, SXU’s South Campus in Tinley Park hosts about 460 adult students, who seek bachelor’s and masters degrees. The South Campus will close once students move to the new Orland facility.
“At the South Campus, we exceeded our enrollment goal by 2.5 percent,” Murphy said. “Our beautiful Orland Park campus is clearly needed to meet the growing demand for Saint Xavier University programs in the southwest region.”
The continued growth and obvious student satisfaction indicates that Saint Xavier University has a story worth telling.
“We have signification activities happening on campus and within the community,” said Dr. Dwyer, whose first day as president was Oct. 1. “Our rich tradition of promoting values and intellectual rigor, as well as our welcoming hospitality to all faiths and cultures, has made an impact and is attracting more and more students who realize what we have to offer.”
For more information on Saint Xavier University or its programs, please call (773) 298-3000 or visit www.sxu.edu.