Xavier University Psy.D. Psychology Review

Entering its second decade as an APA-accredited program, Xavier University’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) is one of the most well-regarded Psy.D. programs in the Midwest. What should students know about this program so they can make an informed decision about their educational future?

About the Program

Before we delve into the benefits and drawbacks of Xavier’s Psy.D. degree, let’s first check out some vital statistics of the school and program.

Basics

• Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
• Main campus: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Accreditation: APA
• First year of program: 2001

Tuition and fees

• Full-time, in-state tuition: $23,240
• Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $23,240
• Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: NA
• Institution fees: $244

Student outcomes

• Median years to completion: 5 (2009-2019)
• Percentage completing in <5 years: 4% (2018-19)
• Percentage completing in 7+ years: 11% (2018-19)
• Degrees conferred, 2009-2019: 161
• Percentage of students obtaining internships: 100% (2018-19)
• Percentage of graduates earning professional licensure: 94% (2009-2019)

Degrees & requirements

• Psy.D. degrees offered: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Non-Psy.D. degrees offered: S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, M.A. in School Counseling
• Number of credit hours required: 93

Admissions

• Application method: Online and by mail
• Application fee: $35
• Admission requirements: Transcripts and minimum GPA of 3.0; three letters of recommendation; GRE scores (general knowledge required); TOEFL score for non-native English speakers; resume
• Admissions office address: 800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207

Biggest Pros

What are the biggest factors that serve as a draw to potential students?

Accreditation

For many students, accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) is among the biggest reasons for choosing one school over another, and Xavier’s Psy.D. program first earned APA accreditation in 2001.

Cost

Generally, Psy.D. degrees are incredibly expensive, with some of the big-name schools offering these degrees costing upwards of $250,000. Xavier’s per-year cost for the Psy.D. is much more modest (about $23,000), and the typical student can expect to pay more than $100,000, which is a significant amount of money, but it’s on the low end of the range, particularly for a private university.

School reputation

Cincinnati-based Xavier University is one of the most well-regarded colleges and universities in the Midwest, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. Today, Xavier is the fourth-oldest Jesuit university in the U.S.

Specializations

Though only a single type of Psy.D. is available (in clinical psychology), students can satisfy their interest in a few population groups by taking a variety of electives and steering their practicum in the direction of children and adolescents, severe and chronic psychopathology or healthcare pathology.

Biggest Cons

So we know what likely will draw students to Xavier, but what about the factors that could make students think twice?

Lack of flexibility

Xavier’s Psy.D. program is only offered in one format — full-time, on-campus. With professional degrees like this one, many students find the need to continue working while they pursue their education, which would not be feasible with a full-time doctoral program. Additionally, courses aren’t offered online, which means students must structure their lives around school instead of the other way around, which may be a non-starter for some potential applicants.

One degree type

While students who so choose can select from three population groups they wish to focus on, with just one type of degree, students who want degrees in school psychology or industrial-organizational psychology may be better off choosing a different program.

The Bottom Line

So how can you decide if this program is right for you? While every learner’s needs and journey are unique, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide whether the Xavier University Psy.D. is right for you.

Conclusion

As one of the most elite institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, Xavier University offers a Psy.D. program rooted in the Jesuit traditions the university is renowned for. And with annual tuition on the affordable side of the scale, for students who are located in the Cincinnati area (or who are willing to move), Xavier’s Psy.D. program is worth considering.

This Psy.D program made our Editors’ Choice Best Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2020.

Additional Resources

• Student Outcomes and Other Data
• Clinical Psy.D.
• Program Features
• Psy.D. Academic Sequence
• Admissions & Financial Aid