Saint Xavier University has been named a 2026 College of Distinction, receiving national and regional recognition for the 10th consecutive year. The honor highlights SXU’s continued commitment to providing a mission-driven, student-centered education grounded in transformative learning.
Colleges of Distinction’s selection process involves detailed research and interviews with colleges and universities nationwide.
Institutions are chosen based on adherence to four key distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. Rather than relying on prestige-based metrics, the program evaluates colleges on their ability to deliver a high-quality, individualized educational experience that prepares students for life after graduation.
This year, Saint Xavier was recognized in 10 areas: affordability, nursing, education, career development, business, equity and inclusion, military support, Catholic education, Illinois colleges, and as a College of Distinction overall. The university also received a special badge marking its 10-year milestone.
“This recognition is a remarkable honor, and the University is proud to be part of the Colleges of Distinction cohort,” SXU stated. “Saint Xavier opens doors to bright futures and is committed to offering a transformative educational experience, so this recognition is a true testament to SXU’s ability to offer an enriching undergraduate experience.”
Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier is nearly 180 years old and holds the distinction of being Chicago’s oldest Catholic university and the first Mercy institution of higher education in the United States. That deep-rooted history, paired with a forward-looking approach, has shaped SXU into a school known for its innovation and impact.
The university is home to several cutting-edge academic resources, including a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab, a technologically advanced human performance lab, and an on-campus speech and language clinic.
Students also benefit from hands-on internships and service-learning opportunities that tie academic learning to real-world applications.
SXU’s commitment to affordability further distinguishes it.
The university is recognized as the most affordable Catholic college in Illinois and is one of only six colleges in the state to receive the “Affordable” badge from Colleges of Distinction.
The recognition affirms SXU’s role as a university that champions educational impact. Its programs are designed to help students not only succeed academically, but also discover their purpose, passion, and potential in a supportive environment that fosters growth across all aspects of their lives.
“This ranking signifies that Saint Xavier University champions educational impact and that SXU’s programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation,” university officials stated. “It’s a true confirmation that students who attend SXU will have a transformative experience.”