Xavier University Of Louisiana

Xavier University of New Orleans, also known as XULA, is a private, Catholic liberal arts college in the Gert Town neighborhood of New Orleans. They’re known for being the only Roman Catholic Historically Black College in the United States. Today, they boast a diverse student population, hailing from many different faiths and backgrounds. Xavier University New Orleans offers undergraduate programs in more than twenty five different areas of study, as well as a variety of graduate programs. XULA even offers online course options with the flexibility to meet students where they are.

About Xavier University of Louisiana Online

Xavier University of New Orleans was founded in 1915 by St. Katharine Drexel as a college preparatory school. The school’s founding mission was to providing Catholic education to underserved black and Native American students in and around New Orleans. XULA earned accreditation as a college a decade later, and to this day continue serving their mission in that capacity. Students at Xavier University of New Orleans come from 40 states and 20 countries. Not only that, but their students also represent a spectrum of backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious affiliations.

Xavier University Mission & Values

Xavier University is dedicated to its mission to promote a more just and humane society through leadership, service, and education. In cooperation with this goal, they work to provide students with diverse and global learning opportunities.

XULA is also Roman Catholic, having been founded by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. As such, despite their commitment to educating students of all faiths, they offer a range of academic, religious, and service-oriented opportunities in that vein. That includes active campus ministry, liturgy, a commitment to integrity, service-learning and community-mindedness. In fact, their commitment to service was even recognized in 2006, by the United States Corporation for National and Community Service, for student efforts to help their local community recover from Hurricane Katrina.

Xavier University’s HBCU Heritage

As the only Roman Catholic HBCU school in the United States, Xavier is proud of their heritage of diversity and inclusion. In fact, for 2018, US News & World Report ranked them at #5 among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States! This identity remains evident today, not just in the opportunities and education they offer, but also in the makeup of their student population. In fact, of the students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2016, 79% identified as Black or African Americanⁱ.

Xavier University Online

In addition to their vibrant campus culture, Xavier University New Orleans offers a range of online education opportunities. Students could take online courses in fields like the following.

• African American & Diaspora Studies
• History
• Biology
• Business
• Communication
• English
• Philosophy
• Sociology
• Health
• Theology
• Women’s Studies

The specific courses available online may vary by semester. Each course may have unique scheduling prerequisites and other requirements. For more information on courses and degrees available at XULA online, contact the school.

Xavier University of Louisiana Campus Life

Xavier University of Louisiana is anchored in the lively city of New Orleans—a fact that informs their diverse and vibrant campus culture. The campus has even been called “Emerald City” on occasion, due to the unique green roofs found atop many of the buildings.

XULA offers its local students a variety of extracurricular options. Here are a few examples.

• Panhellenic Council
• Social, Academic and Professional Greek Organizations
• Student Life Council
• Honor Societies
• Departmental Clubs
• Special Interest Clubs
• Performing Groups

And more! Student organizations may grow and change as more students become part of the XULA family, so if you have a specific interest, don’t be afraid to ask about it.

The XULA campus also includes a number of valuable resources, including a chapel, fitness center, library, and other social, athletic, and academic facilities.

Xavier Athletics

Xavier University of New Orleans offers competitive men’s and women’s athletics in the following sports.

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Tennis
• Track And Field
• Volleyball

They’re a member of NAIA Division I. The men’s teams are known as the Gold Rush, whereas the women’s teams are nicknamed the Gold Nuggets. The Xavier University of New Orleans Mascot is named “Gold Digga.” The team colors are white and gold.

Xavier University of Louisiana Academics

Xavier University of Louisiana offers certificates and degree programs at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral level, including both research and professional practice doctorates. The availability of each program online may vary, so if you are particularly interested in that format, make sure that you follow up.

Undergraduate avenues of study at XULA include but are not limited to the following.

• Business (including Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Mass Communication)
• Education (including Art, History, and French and Spanish Language Education)
• English
• Music
• Philosophy
• Theology
• Social Sciences (including Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science)
• Math and Science (including Mathematics, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Health, and Speech Pathology)

At the graduate level, students might choose degree paths including the following.

• MA Educational Leadership
• MA Curriculum and Instruction
• MA Counseling
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• Master of Theology
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

The availability of each program is subject to change. Additionally, each program may have unique requirements, prerequisites, or opportunities. If you’re interested in any of the above programs, or something else not listed here, reach out to the school for more information.

Applying to Xavier University of New Orleans

Depending on whether you’re a first time freshman, a transfer student, or applying to a graduate program, the prerequisites to attend XULA may vary.

At the undergraduate level, students typically need to submit their official high school or equivalent transcripts, as well as their SAT or ACT scores. Students similarly need to submit a counselor recommendation. Beyond those requirements, the specific academic requirements may vary. For example, STEM may have additional requirements related to prior education in mathematics and natural sciences.

Graduate admission may vary by program. For more information about that, reach out to your program of choice or the Office of Admissions.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Trying to figure out how to cover your Xavier University tuition? In addition to federal and state financial aid opportunities administered via the FAFSA, Xavier University of New Orleans offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities. First time freshman may be considered for merit scholarships, if they are eligible.

Below are listed a few example merit scholarships that may be offered at Xavier University of Louisiana.

• Board of Trustees Scholarship (Full)
• Presidential Scholarship (Full)
• Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship
• Norman C. Francis Scholarship
• Xavier University Academic Scholarships

Prerequisites to be considered for these opportunities may include the following.

• At least a 3.3 GPA
• Meeting All Stated Enrollment, Housing and FAFSA Deadlines
• ACT or SAT Scores

Each institutional merit scholarship may have unique prerequisites beyond the ones listed above. For more information about all scholarships available and your eligibility, contact your admissions counselor.

Fast Facts

Want to learn a little more about Xavier University of New Orleans? Here are some fast facts that might help! The following data is based on data from Fall 2016, except when otherwise specified.

• Student Population: 2,997
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Total Faculty: 221 Full Time, 29 Part Time
• 98% of Students Received Financial Aid
• 94% of undergrads attend full time
• 95% of graduate students attend full time
• 73% of students identify as female
• 79% of students identify as black or African American
• 53% of students are from out of state
• 72 Retention Rate Retention Rate (based on first time students in Fall 2015)
• 42% graduation rate (based on students who began in Fall 2010)

Learn More about Xavier University of Louisiana

If you’re searching for colleges in New Orleans, Louisiana, consider starting with XULA! Fill out the form on this page to request more information, schedule your visit, or to learn more about the application process. Good luck!