Hello! I’m new here and currently a high school senior. My choices are narrowed down to UC and Xavier. While they’re obviously very different schools, they both appeal to me for different reasons. Any information on campus culture and pros and cons of both schools would be appreciated. Thank you!
I visited both of these with my son.
Cincinnati: Big urban university. Can be difficult to transfer between divisions. Significant Greek life, but not overwhelming. Many of the newer campus buildings have been designed by “name” architects. Basketball and football are well-attended, but the football culture is more subdued than at the Big Ten and SEC schools. Seems like it would be a fun place to go to college.
Xavier: Smallish (but not as small as a LAC) university with a suburban feel, although the campus is in an older and somewhat sketchy area of town. The campus is pleasant although undistinguished. Academically solid. The students here seemed wonderful; good, All-American kids. No Greeks. Friendly, but not a big blowout party school (that would be University of Dayton, 50 miles up the road). Basketball has an enthusiastic following, but there is no football.
Neither is known for generous financial aid; my son is waiting on FA offers, but he likes the idea of being able to earn money for school in the co-op programs that UC offers. (He’s looking at majoring in Business.)
What major? Is the cost the same? Are you bringing any AP credits?
Cincy is well known for co-op in several majors, DAP, engineering,and music of course at CCM.
I’m majoring in political science, and the cost comes out to about a 40k difference after all 4 years. I think I like Xavier more but don’t know if it will be worth the extra money. I am not bringing in AP credits, as my school doesn’t actually offer AP classes.
One thing I’m concerned about is the diversity on either campus. Having grown up in a very white, Christian area, I’m a bit worried that Xavier will be too similar of an environment for me.
If your family can afford Xavier, and you really feel that it’s the best fit for you, then it’s worth considering even though a Xavier degree is not worth $40,000 more than a UC degree in any objective sense. But it would be nuts to borrow the extra money.