Xavier University

Xavier University traces its roots to 1831, when Bishop Edward Fenwick established the Athenaeum as Ohio's first Catholic college, evolving into a Jesuit institution named for missionary St. Francis Xavier in 1919. Students who thrive here embrace the Jesuit call to be 'men and women for others,' diving into community service while pursuing practical careers; collaborative types who value Midwestern straightforwardness fit best, but those seeking a quiet rural escape might find the city's hum distracting. Cincinnati wraps around campus with its riverfront breweries, pro sports teams like the Reds and Bengals, and hilly neighborhoods, offering internships and weekend adventures. The urban setting means you'll navigate traffic and construction, and winters bring gray skies and snow, but the payoff includes a lively off-campus scene without isolation.