Retention and Graduation Statistics
Xavier University takes great pride in its graduation statistics, and shows this pride through the annual publication of all statistics. Because of Xavier's high graduation rates, especially when compared to national averages, the University's academic reputation stands out.
Student Retention*
| Year | Retention Rate |
| 2006 | 88% |
| 2007 | 87% |
| 2008 | 84% |
The 2006-2008 three year retention average at Xavier is 86%.
Colleges and universities similar to Xavier have a 81.4% retention rate. (ACT Institutional Data File 2009)
Minority Retention**
| Year | Retention Rate |
| 2006 | 90% |
| 2007 | 83% |
| 2008 | 78% |
The national average minority retention rate is 43%
Graduation Rates***:
| Year | 4-Year Graduation Rate | 5-Year Graduation Rate | 6-Year Graduation Rate |
| 2003 | 68% | 76% | 77% |
| 2004 | 70% | 78% | |
| 2005 | 69% |
* The percent of matriculation of the entire freshman cohort from the beginning of fall semester freshman year to the beginning of the fall semester sophomore year.
**The percent of matriculation of the total number of minorities of the freshman cohort from the beginning of fall semester freshman year to the beginning of the fall semester sophomore year.
*** The national five year graduation rate is 54.8%, as compiled from ACT Institutional Data File (2009) by type of institution, masters/private. If you add the "selective criteria" category which Xavier is, the national five year graduation rate is 65.2% for masters/private/selective colleges and universities.