SXU Access Advantage Tuition Program
Free Tuition for Your First Year at SXU
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø believes that cost should never stand between you and a college degree. As the most affordable Catholic university in Illinois, we are dedicated to keeping a high-quality education in reach.
Through the Access Advantage program, eligible incoming students receive 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees for their first year at SXU through a combination of federal, state and institutional
financial aid.
Please note: The $230 First-Year Student Fee is not covered. This applies to both freshmen and transfer students.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to benefit from SXU's Access Advantage if you are either:
- A freshman student enrolling full time for an upcoming semester.
- A transfer student enrolling full time for an upcoming semester.
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State Residency: Both you and at least one parent or guardian must be Illinois residents.
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Financial Aid Eligibility: You must meet eligibility requirements for state and federal financial aid.
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High School Seniors (Freshman Applicants): Earn a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
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Transfer Students: Earn a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher with a minimum of one full academic year of completed college coursework.
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Household Income: Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less.
Act now by completing these simple steps:
- Apply for ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. Submit either the for freshmen students. Transfer students should submit the transfer application.
- Submit Official Transcripts. Request that your official high school transcript or official college transcripts be sent directly to the SXU Office of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
- File Your FAFSA. Complete the 2027-28 (FAFSA). Be sure to add ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's school code (001768) so our financial aid counselors receive your information!
Once we receive your complete application and FAFSA results, our team will automatically review your file for admission and Access Advantage eligibility.
Admitted Students: Once admitted to SXU, visit the Next Steps for Admitted Students page to confirm your enrollment and secure your place in our incoming class!
Do you use a weighted or unweighted high school GPA?
We recognize the academic rigor of honors, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. We evaluate applicants using their cumulative weighted GPA. If your high school calculates GPA on a scale other than 4.0 (such as a 5.0 scale), our admission team will convert your GPA accordingly.
Is full-time enrollment required?
Yes. You must enroll full-time, completing a minimum of 15 credit hours in each of the fall and spring semesters, to participate in the program.
Is Access Advantage renewable after the first year?
The Access Advantage program covers 100 percent of tuition for your first academic year only.
For years two through four, tuition coverage depends on each student's individual financial aid package. Continued grant and scholarship support is based on several key factors:
- Maintaining full-time enrollment (at least 15 credit hours per semester)
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward your degree
- Annual funding levels of the state of Illinois MAP Grant and Federal Pell Grant programs
- Annual submission of the FAFSA to maintain federal and state aid eligibility
- Standard annual adjustments to University tuition rates
Is the Access Advantage Program available to recruited student-athletes?
Scholarship student-athletes are not eligible for Access Advantage but may qualify for substantial aid through their merit scholarship, athletic scholarship, and other institutional aid (if eligible).
Is Access Advantage available to current or former SXU Students?
Access Advantage is available for eligible new freshman and new transfer students in their first year at SXU. Current and former students can contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaidFREESXU or 773-298-3070 with questions about financial aid eligibility.
What expenses are not covered by this program?
Access Advantage covers base undergraduate tuition only. Examples of expenses not covered include:
- First-Year Student Fee (for both freshmen and transfer students) and individual course or laboratory fees
- Textbooks, software and course supplies
- Room and board (campus housing and meal plans)
- Summer term and May term coursework
- Placement testing fees and official transcript fees
- Overload tuition charges for students enrolled in more than 18 credit hours in a single semester
How do I determine my family's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
Ask your parent(s) or guardian(s) to check Line 11 on IRS Form 1040 of their federal tax return. The 2027-28 FAFSA uses 2025 tax data.
Why Choose ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø?
Top Affordability: Lowest net cost of attendance among Catholic colleges in Illinois (based on National Center for Education data via ).
One of only four colleges in Illinois to receive the Affordability badge from Colleges of Distinction.
Proven Value: Consistently recognized as a Best Value School among regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 2 in Illinois for 2027.
Additionally ranked as the No. 2 Best Value School in Chicago by Niche for 2027.
The SXU Net Price Calculator provides an early estimate of what a new undergraduate student can expect to pay to attend ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, including estimated scholarship and grant awards.
Recommendation: Complete the calculator with your parent or guardian for the most accurate financial breakdown.