Xavier College School of Nursing

Xavier’s BSN program is a four-year, science-heavy grind with a reputation for rigor—ranked #6 for nursing in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum blends clinical rotations with Jesuit-inspired ethics, emphasizing nursing as both an art and a science. Founded in 1981 after absorbing Edgecliff College’s nursing program, Xavier’s College of Nursing has since grown into a standalone institution. Standout stats include a 100% pass rate for Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams and a curriculum designed to mirror real-world healthcare challenges. Small class sizes (10:1 student-faculty ratio) mean close mentorship from faculty.

Life at Xavier’s nursing school revolves around its tight-knit, values-driven community. Instagram posts from the program (@xu_nursing) showcase white-coat ceremonies, clinical simulations, and student-led health outreach—all framed by the school’s Jesuit emphasis on service and leadership. The culture prioritizes advocacy and respect, with faculty who ‘understand the unique challenges of nursing school’ (per student testimonials). Unlike sprawling university campuses, Xavier’s intimate scale fosters camaraderie; students often describe the environment as ‘supportive but intense,’ with study groups and clinical prep dominating downtime.

Xavier’s nursing grads exit with strong prospects: median earnings hit $65k within six years of graduation, well above the $36k national average for early-career nurses. The program’s 80% graduation rate outpaces many peers, and its 77.5% retention rate suggests students feel supported. Debt at graduation averages $17k—lower than many private nursing programs—though 45% of students rely on financial aid. The school’s NCLEX pass rates (exact figure unspecified but cited as ‘high’ by alumni) further cement its reputation for producing job-ready nurses.

Tuition at Xavier isn’t cheap—the sticker price runs $42,353 annually, including $28k in tuition and fees. But the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. drops to $35,051 after aid, with 25% tuition discounts available for graduate students via scholarships. The average grant aid package is $5,608, though only 45% of students receive financial aid. The school offers a net price calculator to estimate individualized costs, but prospective students should brace for significant out-of-pocket expenses unless they land merit-based awards.

Xavier’s nursing program punches above its weight with a rare combo of Jesuit values, clinical rigor, and outlier outcomes. Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio and 80% graduation rate reflect a culture that nurtures students without coddling them—evident in alumni praise for faculty who ‘prepare you for the real world, not just exams.’ The 100% FNP certification pass rate and $65k median earnings six years out underscore its career-launching power. For students seeking a small, mission-driven program that balances ethics with hard science, Xavier delivers—if you can crack its 36% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants..