Why is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state students?
Xavier is a private Catholic university and does not receive state funding tied to residency, so it charges a single tuition rate for all undergraduates.

Is the $70,000 cost what most families actually pay?
No. That figure reflects the full sticker price before aid. After grants and scholarships, the average net price is closer to the low-$30,000 range.

Does Xavier offer in-state or regional tuition waivers?
No. Xavier does not participate in reciprocity programs like WUE or ACM. Instead, it uses merit scholarships to reduce tuition for students from all states.

How predictable is Xavier’s merit aid?
Xavier’s primary merit scholarships are awarded automatically at admission and are renewable, making them more predictable than competitive, essay-based awards.

Can housing and meal costs change?
Yes. The figures above reflect a typical first-year on-campus experience. Actual costs vary by residence hall and meal plan choice.

Do I need to fill out a separate scholarship application to get Xavier’s automatic merit?
Usually no. Xavier’s main merit scholarships for incoming first-year students are typically awarded automatically based on your admission application.

Xavier is test-optional — should my student submit ACT/SAT scores anyway?
If scores are strong, it can help. Xavier superscores the ACT and SAT, so a student can combine their best section scores across multiple test dates. If your student’s scores are not representative, applying test-optional may still be the right call.

What matters most for automatic merit: GPA, course rigor, or test scores?
For most students it’s a blend. GPA and course rigor carry a lot of weight, and test scores can strengthen the file (especially if they’re above the published median). If you’re near the edge of a merit range, a superscored ACT/SAT can make a difference.

When should we apply to maximize scholarship consideration?
Aim for the priority date (Nov 1) when possible. Waiting until the final deadline can reduce the time available for review and may limit options in competitive years.

Are these scholarships renewable for all four years?
Many merit scholarships are renewable, but the renewal rules (minimum GPA at Xavier, full-time enrollment, and any program-specific requirements) are confirmed in the official award letter. Always verify renewal terms before committing.

Do transfer students get merit aid automatically too?
Yes — Xavier offers transfer merit awards based on prior college performance, and some pathway awards (like the Tri-State Community College Scholarship) can provide a structured tuition reduction. Transfer timelines are often rolling, so applying earlier is usually better.

How does the St. Francis Xavier Scholarship application work?
Students do not apply separately before admission. High-achieving applicants may be invited after admission to complete additional materials and interviews.

Is the Musketeer Forever Scholars Program competitive?
No. It functions as a guaranteed merit floor. If an eligible Ohio or Greater Cincinnati student qualifies, Xavier adjusts their merit package to at least $30,000 per year.

Do flagship scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Usually not. Competitive awards like the St. Francis Xavier Scholarship typically replace an existing merit award rather than add to it.

Are test scores required for these scholarships?
Not always, but invited finalists often submit strong ACT or SAT scores. Xavier superscores both exams, which can help at the margin.

When should students apply to be considered?
Applying by Nov 1 maximizes the chance of being considered for invitation-based and priority awards.

Do hidden gem scholarships stack with merit aid?
Often yes — but Xavier notes that students whose tuition-restricted aid already totals the cost of tuition may be ineligible for additional scholarships. In other words, stacking can be limited by cost-of-attendance caps or tuition caps.

Which “hidden gem” scholarships should families prioritize first?
Start with awards tied to things your student already plans to do: an Art major (McAuley), music ensembles (PAG), FIRST Robotics participation, or a declared Peace Studies minor (Urmston). These tend to be more straightforward than broad, campus-wide contests.

Are any of these only for current Xavier students?
Yes. Some scholarships are upper-division awards for students who will be juniors or seniors in the coming year and may require departmental nomination (e.g., Savage and O’Connor).

What’s the fastest way to avoid missing a department deadline?
Once admitted (or once enrolled), have your student email the relevant department early and ask: “What are the steps and deadlines for departmental scholarships this year?” Many awards run on department calendars rather than the admission calendar.

How does the HUB International Scholarship work?
It’s a continuing-student scholarship for eligible students connected to a HUB client (employee/spouse/dependent), and it requires filing the FAFSA. Students with Xavier tuition remission are not eligible.

Does Xavier have a university-wide Honors College?
Not in the traditional sense. Xavier’s honors opportunities are typically program-based (selective cohorts inside specific academic areas).

Will joining an honors program increase my student’s merit scholarship?
Not automatically. The “extra money” usually comes from honors-linked scholarships that are tied to specific programs (like Smith Scholars or HAB).

Is the Smith Scholars Program mainly about money or experiences?
Both. It can include significant tuition support, but it’s also designed as an honors cohort experience with mentoring and fully funded global travel study for students in the business school.

What’s the HAB Scholarship and who should look at it?
It’s a $5,000 scholarship tied to Xavier’s PPP Honors Program (Philosophy, Politics, and the Public) and is intended for students with demonstrated financial need who remain active in PPP.

Do honors scholarships stack with merit aid?
Sometimes — but stacking may be limited by tuition or cost-of-attendance caps. Always confirm how awards combine in the final financial aid offer.