About Saint Xavier University
Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University is a private, Catholic, comprehensive university grounded in the tradition of the liberal arts. Chicago's oldest Catholic University now adds its online, global Saint Xavier campus to the existing campuses in Chicago, Orland Park, and Chicago Loop.
As one of 18 colleges and universities sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University educates approximately 5,700 students each year.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Saint Xavier University student population among the 10 most diverse public and private colleges and universities in the Midwest and second in Illinois.
Saint Xavier University welcomes and encourages students of all religious and faith traditions.
Our Mission Statement
Saint Xavier University, a Catholic institution inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, educates men and women to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good.
Who are the Sisters of Mercy?
The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are women who commit their lives to serving God's people, especially those who are sick, poor, and uneducated. The mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to help people to overcome the obstacles that keep them from living full and dignified lives. A life of prayer and community animates and supports them in their mission.
The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are impelled to commit their lives and resources to act in solidarity with
- the economically poor of the world, especially women and children;
- women seeking fullness of life and equality in church and society;
- one another as we embrace our multicultural and international reality.
Over 160 years after being founded, the mission of Saint Xavier University is still aligned with the Sisters of Mercy.
Our Core Values
- Respect
- Excellence
- Compassion
- Service
- Hospitality
- Integrity
- Diversity
- Learning for Life
Saint Xavier University Athletics
We are proud of our Cougar athletics here at Saint Xavier University. Six of our 12 athletic teams qualified for the NAIA national tournament or their respective national playoffs, including football, men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, men's cross country and men's track. We encourage you as an online student to get into the SXU spirit and cheer on the Cougars!
What our students are saying about Saint Xavier University
"Saint Xavier provided me with an education that challenged my mind and nurtured my spirit. As a result, my professional and personal life has been enriched by the values and knowledge I acquired and continue to appreciate."
- Kathy Blanchfield, Ph.D., RN; St. Michael Parish Nurse Ministry / Advocate Health Care
"The graduate nursing program at SXU cultivated a respect and honor for nursing practice and a love for nursing scholarship and research. In this graduate program I learned to celebrate the accomplishments of nurses as practitioners, educators, and scholars."
- Nancy L. Diekelmann, Ph.D., RN, FAAN; University of Wisconsin-Madison
"We ask a lot of our graduate students at Saint Xavier and expect a lot in return. But we also respect the personal challenges you will in earning an advanced degree. Most of you will be juggling classes, a job and possibly a family too. When I studied for my own master's degree in elementary education, I also taught full time and took three or four classes a week. I've been there, and many of our faculty members have been there also."
- Beverly Gulley, Ph.D., Dean, School of Education
If you would like to learn more about Saint Xavier University, please call us toll-free at 1-866-319-8966. We will be happy to tell you everything and anything you'd like to know.
