St. Francis Xavier University
Founded 1853 | Antigonish, NS
Tucked away in the small town of Antigonish, N.S., St. Francis Xavier caters mainly to undergraduates in arts, science, business and education. Small class sizes challenge students to think critically and contribute to class discussions. “Strong relationships forged between students, their professors and the broader community create a supportive learning environment filled with opportunities that set StFX apart from other universities,” says president Andy Hakin. “We offer high-quality, immersive academic experiences within an engaging and vibrant atmosphere.”
A sense of commitment to social justice and community encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom. Nearly 30 per cent of students participate in course-based and immersion experiences through the service learning program, working on issues in local communities and around the world. The campus is known for its Ivy League-style architecture, limestone residences and pedestrian-friendly layout. The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government features an undergraduate program in public policy; Mulroney Hall houses classrooms, research and study spaces, and an auditorium.
The renovated Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living features space for athletics and recreation, instruction labs and physical and athletic therapy. A well-known tradition at StFX is handing out X-rings (a rectangular gold ring with a large black X in the middle) to graduating students. Many develop a sense of pride and belonging—also known as the X factor.
Standout Programs
• Sport Management: Students in business administration or human kinetics can add this minor to their program, studying the ethics, marketing and history of sport and more.
• Applied Forensic Psychology: Students draw on coursework and practicum placements to study psychology within the criminal justice and mental health systems.
• Climate and Environment: Students get an interdisciplinary focus on the scientific and social aspects of our environment; they may opt for a co-op internship.
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$9,660 ($10,943 out-of-province students)
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 70% · Science: 70.4% · Commerce: 70% · Engineering: 70.4%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 3,893 · Part-time: 774
Graduates: Full-time: 33 · Part-time: 706
International Students: First-year: 2.4%
Graduate: 58.8%
Male-Female Ratio: 37 to 63
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 1,841 (1,196 reserved for first-year students)
Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $11,200 · Single room with meals: $12,365 · Apartment-style: $7,750
Cool Courses
• How to Judge a Book by Its Cover: Students analyze texts and consider how presentation affects reception and meaning.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: A Mostly True History, From Columbus to Blackbeard: Students examine images of piracy in history and culture, as well as the nature of piracy and the dynamics of class, race, gender and sex.