Xavier University of Louisiana

Overview & Academics

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is a private, historically Black, Catholic university in New Orleans. Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, it is the nation’s only Catholic HBCU. With emphases on leadership, social justice, and service, Xavier is nationally recognized for its strong programs in STEM, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
- Type: 4-year, Private not-for-profit
- Awards Offered: Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral degrees
- School colors: Gold and White
- Website: https://www.xula.edu/
- Address: 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125-1098
Admissions

Xavier has a selective admissions process emphasizing academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Applications are reviewed holistically, considering grades, standardized test scores (optional for many applicants), extracurriculars, and character references.
- Application deadline: Varies (rolling and priority dates for different programs)
- Application type: Common App or institutional app
- Requirements: High school transcript, SAT/ACT (optional for many), essays, recommendation(s)
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 74%
Admission Stats
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: ~74%
- Average GPA of admitted students: 3.4
- Average SAT (mid 50%): 990–1160
- Average ACT (mid 50%): 19–25
- Test-optional policy currently available for many applicants
Cost

The cost of attendance at Xavier includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses.
- Undergraduate tuition & fees (2023–24): Around $26,863/year
- Graduate tuition (varies by program)
- Room & board: Approx. $11,126/year
- Financial aid: Over 90% of students receive some form of aid
Student Population
- Total enrollment: ~3,419 students
- Undergraduates: ~2,677
- Graduates: ~742
- Demographics: Xavier has one of the highest percentages of African American students among U.S. universities.
- Gender: Women comprise about 75% of the student body
Rankings & Distinctions
- Consistently ranked among the top HBCUs nationally
- #1 producer of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school
- Ranked among the best regional universities in the South
- National leader in producing African American students with undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy
Campus & Culture

XULA’s 63-acre campus features historic and modern facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, a student center, and athletic facilities. The campus welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and fosters a supportive, mission-driven environment rooted in the university’s Catholic and HBCU heritage.
- Distinctive green spaces and contemporary buildings
- Located in the heart of New Orleans, offering access to rich cultural experiences
- Campus chapel, performing arts venues, science and research centers
Athletics & Traditions
- Nickname: Gold Rush (men), Gold Nuggets (women)
- NCAA Division II (upgrading select sports); NAIA for many sports
- GSAC (Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) and Red River Athletic Conference member
- Sports: Basketball, track and field, cross country, tennis, volleyball, baseball, and more
- Strong school spirit expressed through homecomings, campus events, and service traditions
Mission

Xavier’s mission is to promote a more just and humane society by preparing students to assume roles of leadership and service. Its core values are rooted in Catholic tradition, social justice, and educational excellence.
Leadership & Current Developments
- Leader: Dr. Reynold Verret became president in 2015
- Notable for strategic expansion of STEM, business, and health professions programs
- Recent initiatives: Expansion of research, community partnerships, plans for Xavier University College of Medicine (pending approval)
- Commitment to equity, social justice, and supporting underrepresented students
Programs
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Pharmacy
- Bachelor’s degrees: Over 40 majors, including biology, chemistry, business, mass communication, pre-med, psychology, and more
- Graduate degrees: Education, Public Health, Health Informatics, Speech-Language Pathology, Counseling, Theology, & Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Pre-professional tracks: Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Veterinary medicine
Campus Life
- Residential halls and themed living communities
- Cafeteria, dining venues, and vibrant student union
- Regular campus events: lectures, concerts, cultural celebrations, service projects
- Campus ministry and spiritual life activities
Student Organizations
- Over 80 organizations, including: