St. Francis Xavier University

Tucked away in the small town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, 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. “StFX provides a unique, immersive experience. Students choose to come here for the exceptional academic experience led by top faculty, often including hands-on research experience,” says president Andy Hakin. The university’s commitment to social justice and community encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom. A quarter of students participated in the course-based and immersion experiences through the service learning program during the 2024–25 academic year, working on issues in local communities and around the world. Available in AI, business studies, digital marketing and enterprise IT management, these programs include a co-op option. 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. Construction is underway on the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Hall, which will house an incubator for health research in the region and is anticipated to open in March of 2027. 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.

Campus buzz: Students who want a quiet place to study or need to take a call can use the new soundproof pod in the Angus L. Macdonald Library.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees) $10,699 ($12,187 out-of-province students)

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 87% | Science: 90% | Commerce: 86% | Engineering: 91% 

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 3,903 | Part-time: 340
Graduates: Full-time: 99 | Part-time: 637
International Students: First-year: 1.3% | Graduate: 80%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 1,795 (guaranteed for first-years)
Cost of double room with meals: $12,245 to $16,150
Cost of single room with meals: $13,610 to $16,550
Cost of apartment-style:  $8,595

Standout programs

Entrepreneurship and Human Nutrition: This double degree program allows students to earn degrees in business and in nutrition in five years. Students focus on entrepreneurship and food and nutrition science. 

Public Policy and Governance: The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government’s flagship interdisciplinary teaching program prepares students for policy-focused careers in the public and private sectors with guest lectures, internships and research.

Health: Through courses like biology, psychology, sociology, chemistry, political science, human kinetics, history and more, this program prepares students for further study or careers in the field of health.

Reputation

Ranked #4 (Primarily Undergraduate) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.