Degree Dividend
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Saint Xavier University vs Dominican University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Chicago IL · vs · Private nonprofit, River Forest IL

The verdict

Dominican University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $46,980 in 3.9 years versus 4.3 years at Saint Xavier University, on median earnings of $60,327 vs $58,656 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSaint Xavier UniversityDominican University
Net price / yr$10,970$11,745
Total net cost$43,880$46,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,656$60,327
Median debt$22,223$24,411
Payback4.3 yrs3.9 yrs
20-year net return$162,040$192,360

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

Which is cheaper, Saint Xavier University or Dominican University?

Saint Xavier University, at $10,970 a year after aid versus $11,745 — a gap of $775 a year, or $3,100 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Saint Xavier University or Dominican University graduates earn more?

Dominican University graduates report a median $60,327 ten years after entry, $1,671 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.

Which leaves students with less debt, Saint Xavier University or Dominican University?

Saint Xavier University: its completers carry a median $22,223 in federal loans versus $24,411 at Dominican University, a difference of $2,188. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Saint Xavier University, against 55% at Dominican 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 Dominican University: frequently asked questions

Is Saint Xavier University or Dominican University a better value?
Dominican University. It clears its $46,980 net cost in about 3.9 years versus 4.3 years at Saint Xavier University, on median earnings of $60,327 vs $58,656 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Saint Xavier University or Dominican University?
Saint Xavier University: $10,970/yr net price after aid versus $11,745/yr at Dominican University — a difference of $775 a year, or about $3,100 over four years.
Do Saint Xavier University or Dominican University graduates earn more?
Dominican University graduates earn a median $60,327 ten years after entry, versus $58,656 at Saint Xavier University — a $1,671 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.