SXU Named a 2027 College of Distinction
Saint Xavier University (SXU) has been recognized nationally and regionally among the 2026-2027 Colleges of Distinction for the 11th consecutive year. Honored for its mission-driven, student-centered transformative educational experience, SXU is recognized in the areas of affordability, nursing, education, career development, business, equity and inclusion, and military support. SXU is also recognized as a Catholic College of Distinction and an Illinois College of Distinction, marking numerous unique distinctions for the University.
New for the 2026-2027 year, Colleges of Distinction is recognizing the best colleges for transfer students. The new designation comes at a moment of sustained growth in transfer enrollment across the United States, when more students are making deliberate, cost-conscious decisions about where to begin and continue their academic journeys. Institutions that invest in genuine transfer infrastructure are well positioned to take on and welcome such an increasingly prominent population. SXU was one of only seven colleges in Illinois to receive the distinction and was selected for demonstrating excellence in factors such as transfer credit transparency, admission quality and visibility, the depth of academic advising tailored to transfer students, and outcomes data for transfer students.
Being recognized so consistently is a testament to SXU's commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on four key distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. Colleges of Distinction's rigorous selection process entails a sequence of in-depth research with the institutions, accepting only those that exhibit those four distinctions.
Going beyond traditional ranking models, College of Distinction calls for innovative institutions that meet individual student needs and create an environment that allows students to flourish and have an enriching undergraduate experience. Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. Saint Xavier's inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
"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. Colleges of Distinction was founded on a conviction that the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, and 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," said Keith Elder, Ph.D., SXU president.
To be named a College of Distinction in the areas of Business, Nursing and Education, the institution must offer a well-rounded curriculum and demonstrate stability and longevity, accreditation, multidisciplinarity, practical experience, collaborative learning, high mastery rates, liberal arts exposure, ethics, dedicated advising and counseling, high-impact practices, and industry connections.
A College of Distinction that is recognized for its outstanding Career Development initiatives exhibits integrated career exploration and preparation, accessible programs and training, and dedicated, career-centered staff.
The Military Support designation is awarded to institutions whose supportive initiatives include comprehensive educational benefits, a military and veterans affairs team, flexible and accessible options, faculty training, and campus activities and support.
A College of Distinction recognized for Equity and Inclusion efforts demonstrates a diverse population of students and faculty, food and housing security, physical and mental care, Pell Grants and financial aid, and academic inclusion.
Saint Xavier is one of only four colleges in Illinois to receive the Affordability designation. The prestigious distinction considers an institution's quality and diversity of hands-on experiences, notable financial costs, and positive outcomes that epitomize a significant return on a student's investment. Saint Xavier was selected for its dedication to ensuring that college investment pays off for students, families and the communities they go on to serve.
Learn more about SXU's undergraduate programs on the SXU website. To check out an in-depth profile of SXU on the Colleges of Distinction guidebook, visit the Colleges of Distinction website.