St. Francis Xavier University

Founded 1853 | Antigonish, NS

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. “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

• Health: Students in this interdisciplinary program take a wide range of courses that explore health from scientific, social and humanistic perspectives.

• Applied Forensic Psychology: Students draw on coursework and practicum placements to study psychology within the criminal justice and mental health systems.

• Nursing: The program offers a solid foundation as well as diverse clinical experiences in areas ranging from community health and mental health to acute care and pediatrics.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$9,940 ($11,223 out-of-province students)

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts: 70% | Science: 70% | Commerce: 70.4% | Engineering: 74.6%

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 4,247 | Part-time: 568

Graduates: Full-time: 156 | Part-time: 695

International Students: First-year: 1.9% | Graduate: 73.1%

Male-Female Ratio: 36 to 64

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 1,881 (1,060 reserved for first-year students)

Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $11,215 to $14,825

Single room with meals: $12,380 to $15,215

Apartment-style: $7,950

Cool Courses

• Land Art: Indigenous Approaches: Students explore various mediums, such as photography, music, poetry and performance, to create art in environmentally conscious ways.

• Earth Observing: Topics include satellite and airborne remote sensing applications, computational and data processing tools, and mapping using GIS.

Student Life on Campus

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