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Head-to-head comparison

Saint Xavier University vs University of St Francis: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Chicago IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Joliet IL

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Chicago, IL

Saint Xavier University

Net price / year
$10,970
Earnings, 10 years
$58,656
Payback
4.3 yrs

Option B Joliet, IL

University of St Francis

Net price / year
$13,006
Earnings, 10 years
$63,926
Payback
3.3 yrs
The verdict

University of St Francis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,024 in 3.3 years versus 4.3 years at Saint Xavier University, on median earnings of $63,926 vs $58,656 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaint Xavier UniversityUniversity of St Francis
Net price / yr$10,970$13,006
Total net cost$43,880$52,024
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,656$63,926
Median debt$22,223$21,079
Payback4.3 yrs3.3 yrs
20-year net return$162,040$259,296

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis?

Saint Xavier University, at $10,970 a year after aid versus $13,006 — a gap of $2,036 a year, or $8,144 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis graduates earn more?

University of St Francis graduates report a median $63,926 ten years after entry, $5,270 more than the $58,656 at Saint Xavier University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis?

University of St Francis: its completers carry a median $21,079 in federal loans versus $22,223 at Saint Xavier University, a difference of $1,144. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of St Francis, against 57% at Saint Xavier University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Saint Xavier University vs University of St Francis: frequently asked questions

Is Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis a better value?
University of St Francis. It clears its $52,024 net cost in about 3.3 years versus 4.3 years at Saint Xavier University, on median earnings of $63,926 vs $58,656 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis?
Saint Xavier University: $10,970/yr net price after aid versus $13,006/yr at University of St Francis — a difference of $2,036 a year, or about $8,144 over four years.
Do Saint Xavier University or University of St Francis graduates earn more?
University of St Francis graduates earn a median $63,926 ten years after entry, versus $58,656 at Saint Xavier University — a $5,270 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.