For the 11th year in a row, Saint Xavier University has earned recognition as a College of Distinction, an honor that highlights colleges focused on student success both inside and outside the classroom.
The Chicago university was named a 2026-27 College of Distinction and received several additional honors recognizing its academic programs and student support services. Among them were distinctions in nursing, education, business, career development, affordability, military support, equity and inclusion, as well as recognition as both a Catholic College of Distinction and an Illinois College of Distinction.
This year also brought a new honor.
Saint Xavier was one of only seven colleges in Illinois recognized for its support of transfer students, a new designation introduced by Colleges of Distinction as more students choose to transfer schools while completing their degrees. The award recognizes institutions that make the transition easier through transparent transfer credit policies, strong academic advising and support that helps transfer students succeed after arriving on campus.
The recognition comes as transfer enrollment continues to grow across the country, with many students looking for affordable pathways to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Unlike many college rankings that emphasize acceptance rates, test scores or institutional prestige, Colleges of Distinction evaluates schools on the overall undergraduate experience. The organization looks for campuses that encourage close interaction with faculty, hands-on learning, internships, undergraduate research and opportunities that prepare students for careers after graduation.
Saint Xavier President Keith Elder said the university’s continued recognition reflects the work faculty and staff put into helping students reach their goals.
“Saint Xavier University is honored to celebrate more than 10 years of recognition as a College of Distinction, a distinction that underscores our ongoing commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience,” Elder said in a statement. “Our dedicated faculty and supportive staff work each day with an unwavering focus to ensure students not only find their passion and purpose at SXU but open the door to bright and meaningful futures.”
Saint Xavier also stood out for affordability, becoming one of only four Illinois colleges to receive the organization’s Affordability designation. The honor recognizes institutions that pair quality academic opportunities with costs and outcomes that provide strong value for students and their families.
Additional honors recognized the university’s business, nursing and education programs, along with its career preparation efforts, services for military-connected students and initiatives that promote an inclusive campus environment.
The Colleges of Distinction program annually recognizes colleges and universities that place an emphasis on engaged learning, strong teaching, campus community and positive student outcomes, rather than relying solely on traditional measures of institutional reputation.