Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
New Orleans, Louisiana
74.5% Acceptance Rate
Xavier University of Louisiana — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
74.5%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1077Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$39,183Annual Cost
$52,184Grad Salary
51.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
74.5%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1077
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
953–1138
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Need-Based Aid
51.7% receive Pell
Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, Catholic, historically Black university known for its academic excellence, particularly in the sciences and health professions. With a long-standing commitment to social justice and service, the university fosters an environment that encourages intellectual inquiry and professional leadership. Its focus on preparing students for high-impact roles makes it a premier choice for those seeking a world-class education rooted in Catholic and Black heritage.
Xavier University of Louisiana Acceptance Rate
Xavier University of Louisiana is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Xavier University of Louisiana is 74.5%. This means that 75 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 74.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Xavier University of Louisiana Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Xavier University of Louisiana follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of December 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 132 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Xavier University of Louisiana reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
December 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Xavier University of Louisiana GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Xavier University of Louisiana is 3.7. Xavier University of Louisiana is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Xavier University of Louisiana GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Xavier University of Louisiana utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.30 – 3.49
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.29
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Xavier is simultaneously Catholic and historically Black - founded by St. Katharine Drexel - a dual identity that shapes both its mission-driven admissions language and its heavy pre-health/pre-pharmacy institutional focus.
- General acceptance rate is roughly 69% (2024-25 IPEDS), but yield is unusually low at ~12%, meaning Xavier is a common "admit but don't enroll" school - demonstrated interest in essays and follow-up communication can matter more here than at peer schools.
- No separate scholarship application is required - merit aid is determined from the general application, so completing the admission file fully and on time IS the scholarship application.
- The Chemistry-Prepharmacy Contingent Admit Program (CAP) is Xavier's most powerful and least-publicized hook for STEM-focused applicants - most competing counseling advice online only discusses the standard post-sophomore PharmCAS route.
- The Rigor Metric: At Xavier University of Louisiana, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Xavier University of Louisiana
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Xavier University of Louisiana's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Xavier University of Louisiana Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Xavier University of Louisiana Without SAT or ACT?
Xavier University of Louisiana considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Xavier University of Louisiana Average SAT Score: 1077
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Xavier University of Louisiana is 1077 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1077 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1077 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1138 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Xavier University of Louisiana allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 953, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Xavier University of Louisiana. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 512 | 453 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 534 | 500 | 568 |
| SAT Composite | 1077 | 953 | 1138 |
It means that if you have scored less than 953 then you are below most of the admitted students at Xavier University of Louisiana and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1138 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Xavier University of Louisiana with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Xavier University of Louisiana are good but the admission staff at Xavier University of Louisiana tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Xavier University of Louisiana ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Xavier University of Louisiana is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Xavier University of Louisiana slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Xavier University of Louisiana with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Xavier University of Louisiana — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Xavier University of Louisiana use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Xavier University of Louisiana — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Xavier University of Louisiana uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Xavier University of Louisiana
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Xavier University of Louisiana is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Use the Test-Optional Essay as Your Real Application
XULA is test-optional, and if a student applies without SAT/ACT scores, the school requires a specific written essay in place of scores: "Why do you want to attend Xavier University of Louisiana?" Most applicants and even some counselors treat this as a throwaway box, but for test-optional applicants it functions as the entire academic-judgment portion of the file. Counsel students to name a specific XULA structural feature (the direct 6-year Pharm.D. pathway, the pre-med committee process, a specific research lab) rather than generic "HBCU community" language - admissions staff read hundreds of versions of the community-focused answer per cycle and the specific-program answer is what differentiates a file with no test score to anchor it.
Route STEM/Health-Bound Students Through the Chemistry-Prepharmacy Track From Day One
Xavier's single most distinctive lever is the College of Pharmacy's Contingent Admit Program (CAP): a small number of qualified incoming freshmen are given a conditional seat in the Pharm.D. program before they even start their undergraduate coursework, contingent on completing the 64-credit-hour Chemistry-Prepharmacy curriculum with required grades. This is not advertised loudly outside the Chemistry department page. If a student's goal is pharmacy, the strategy is to declare Chemistry-Prepharmacy as the entering major and explicitly request CAP consideration in the application/interview stage - bypassing the separate, far more competitive PharmCAS route most applicants take after two years of coursework.
Lean Into the "Top Producer of Black Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates" Positioning in Health-Track Essays
Xavier is consistently cited as one of the top four producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy graduates nationally and is the #1 school nationally for placing Black students into medical school - this is core to the institution's mission (founded by St. Katharine Drexel to educate Black and Native American students in a Catholic framework). For pre-health applicants, essays and interviews that connect the applicant's own health-equity motivation to Xavier's actual outcomes data (not just "diversity" language) resonate directly with what pharmacy/pre-med committee reviewers are trained to look for, since underserved-community service is baked into the College of Pharmacy's stated mission.
Apply Early Action If Pursuing Music or Nursing - Both Have Hard Add-On Requirements
Music applicants need an audition and Nursing applicants face a materially stricter secondary review beyond the general holistic process; Xavier's own guidance is to apply Early Action specifically for these two programs to get priority scheduling for the audition/review steps. A student who applies Regular Decision to Nursing or Music risks running out of runway to complete these add-on steps before seats fill. Counselors should treat "which major" as the first question for any XULA applicant, since it changes the entire procedural timeline, not just the difficulty.
Expert Insight:
Don't let students assume XULA's ~69% overall acceptance rate makes every program equally accessible - that number reflects general admission, not the College of Pharmacy or Nursing, which run separate, far more selective secondary reviews (PharmCAS holistic review plus an in-person interview for pharmacy; GPA/prerequisite screens for nursing). A student can be admitted to Xavier broadly and still be declined from the health professional program that was their entire reason for applying, so build the prerequisite GPA case from freshman year, not senior year.
Xavier University of Louisiana Profile
Full Name
Xavier University of Louisiana
City
New Orleans
State
Louisiana
ZIP Code
70125-1098
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Xavier University of Louisiana Degree Worth It?
Getting into Xavier University of Louisiana can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Xavier University of Louisiana offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Xavier University of Louisiana is $55,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.78%.
How much does a degree from Xavier University of Louisiana Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Xavier University of Louisiana is $39,183. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Xavier University of Louisiana is much less than this.
51.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 54.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Xavier University of Louisiana and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Xavier University of Louisiana, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Xavier University of Louisiana as your choice in the form.
How much does a Xavier University of Louisiana Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $52,184. An average Xavier University of Louisiana graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Xavier University of Louisiana. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Point University | West Point, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | 1057 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Xavier University of Louisiana. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Xavier University of Louisiana. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Xavier University of Louisiana
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Xavier University of Louisiana Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $52,184 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $39,183 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
51.7% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The acceptance rate of Xavier University of Louisiana is 74.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Xavier University of Louisiana is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1077 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 953–1138.
The application deadline for Xavier University of Louisiana is December 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Xavier University of Louisiana is 35. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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