“We Are Deeply Committed To Standing With Them”: Xavier University VP Of Enrolment On OPT Concerns & Visa Support For Indian Students

The Cincinnati, Ohio-based institution is actively welcoming Indian students through world-class academic programs, robust career support, and an inclusive campus culture. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Scott Clyde, vice president of enrolment at Xavier University, sheds light on how the university, through new majors in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, high-impact mentorship, and generous scholarships, is preparing Indian students for global success both in and beyond the classroom.

FPJ: What does Xavier University offer to Indian students?

Clyde: Xavier University offers a deeply supportive & inclusive community that welcomes students not just from across the US, but from all over the world. Xavier is rooted in a nearly 200-year-old Jesuit tradition, emphasising academic excellence, personal growth, & service to others. Indian students can expect a world-class education led by top-tier faculty committed to teaching what students need to learn and how to apply it effectively. What makes Xavier special is that it goes beyond academics—it fosters a culture where students are encouraged to understand why they want to pursue their goals, nurturing their minds, bodies, and spirits along the way.

FPJ: What are the most popular programs among Indian students, & which emerging fields are gaining traction?

Clyde: Business-related programs & psychology draw a lot of interest. One of the standout offerings right now is our Master’s in Data Analytics—it’s a relatively new program but growing quickly. Our MBA program is also thriving. We have a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Floor sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. Students actively manage real investment funds—nearly $10 million in total. Our MBA students manage a $2 million fixed-income fund, while undergraduates can engage with the $8 million D’Artagnan Fund, named after our university mascot. These opportunities provide hands-on, real-world experience that sets our students apart.

FPJ: What financial aid or scholarships does Xavier offer international students?

Clyde: I always tell families to look at both sides of the equation—not just the cost of education, but the value and outcomes it delivers. Xavier may not be the cheapest option, but we provide a high return on investment through career outcomes, mentorship, and experiential learning. Tuition sits around $52,000 annually, but most admitted students receive scholarships ranging from $21,000 to $29,000 per year, renewable for all four years. On top of that, international students may be considered for Global Ambassador Scholarships, typically in the $5,000 to $7,000 range. And don’t forget—Cincinnati is a very affordable city compared to New York, Chicago, or LA. That significantly reduces living expenses and makes Xavier a competitive and cost-effective choice.

FPJ: How does Xavier University support Indian students with accommodation?

Clyde: All students—both domestic & international—are required to live on campus for the first couple of years. Students are close to essential resources like residential advisors and hall directors, who offer guidance and support. By their junior or senior year, if students choose to live off-campus with friends, we provide resources to help them with that transition as well. Additionally, if students face any personal challenges—be it homesickness, illness, or a family emergency—our Care and Student Support Services team is there to help. The support isn’t limited to Indian students; it’s available to everyone.

FPJ: How do Indian students contribute to the university community and the broader US economy?

Clyde: Indian students bring immense value, not just to our campus, but also to the US economy. There’s substantial research showing how talented individuals from India contribute significantly to the American workforce, whether after a bachelor’s degree or through postgraduate programs. Economically, their impact is in the tens of billions of dollars annually. In the classroom, Indian students enrich the learning environment with their perspectives, discipline, and curiosity. Their presence challenges both themselves and their peers, sparking deeper conversations and fostering greater cultural awareness. This diversity of thought and experience strengthens not only academic discussions but also the broader co-curricular community.

FPJ: How might proposed changes to the OPT program impact Indian students, and what is your perspective on these developments?

Clyde: While I can't speak on behalf of the US government, I can say this—there is a clear national interest in attracting and retaining top talent, both domestically and internationally. India has consistently been a leader in supplying that talent. That’s one reason I believe OPT will remain secure. Personally, I’m optimistic. While some recent articles have stirred concern, the feedback we’re receiving from national associations and legal experts suggests that such changes are unlikely to gain traction. They run counter to the broader direction the US is moving in, toward building and maintaining a globally competitive workforce. So, I remain bullish on the future of programs like OPT.

FPJ: What’s your take on visa revocations over minor issues, and how does Xavier support international students facing such concerns?

Clyde: It's a valid concern. What we can control is the support we provide on our campus. Our Centre for International Education is dedicated to assisting students through complex or uncertain situations, including immigration status questions. We stay closely connected with state and federal legislative developments, consulting with legal and policy experts. There are still legal debates even around what certain visa status changes truly mean. While the national conversation around this is still evolving, I want to assure students that we are deeply committed to standing with them. Our goal is not just to retain the international students we have but to welcome more into our undergraduate and graduate programs and to support them so they can thrive.

FPJ: How is Xavier University attracting Indian students to its new AI and cybersecurity programs?

Clyde: At Xavier, we’re focused on staying ahead of the curve in preparing students for the future workforce. These new majors in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity reflect that forward-thinking approach. Cybersecurity evolved from what started as a certificate, then became a minor, and now a full-fledged major, because the demand is not only current but projected to grow significantly. Similarly, AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s transforming everything—from healthcare and engineering to the arts and education. What makes Xavier’s approach unique is that we don’t just teach students to use AI—we teach them to engage with it ethically and meaningfully. For instance, our students created D’Artagnan AI, an in-house AI tool designed to help peers use generative AI responsibly. It connects to professors' syllabi and helps students understand how to cite sources properly, reinforcing academic integrity while embracing innovation.

FPJ: What work opportunities are available to Indian students while they’re on campus?

Clyde: Students can work directly in offices like mine, serving as tour guides, admissions ambassadors, or with our Centre for International Education, where they support fellow international students and even help shape our global recruitment strategies. Beyond campus roles, we offer access to internships during educational breaks like summer or winter.  

FPJ: What is the employment rate for Xavier University graduates?

Clyde: Xavier has a 99% success rate within six months of graduation. That includes students going into full-time jobs, graduate programs like a master’s or PhD, or pursuing other meaningful career paths.

FPJ: Advice for Indian students on US post-study work and Xavier's OPT/H-1B support?

Clyde: My advice to Indian students would be to keep an open mind. A lot of students naturally gravitate toward large, coastal universities in the U.S., but they often overlook smaller institutions like Xavier that offer just as many opportunities, if not more, at a lower cost of living and with closer faculty connections.

At Xavier, we provide robust support for students planning to pursue OPT and eventually H-1B visas. Our team works closely with businesses that are open to hiring and sponsoring international students. Thanks to our small class sizes—an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio—students form strong relationships with professors, which translates into meaningful mentorship, research opportunities, and referrals for job placements.