Saint Xavier University is an independent, comprehensive Catholic university that offers bachelor's and master's degrees to a diverse population of more than 5,000 students. It is located in Chicago, just over the Oak Lawn border. Saint Xavier draws many students from Oak Lawn and surrounding southwest suburbs. In addition to its Chicago campus, it has campuses in the Loop and in Orland Park, focused on continuing education and professional studies, including a veterinarian tech program. Saint Xavier was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, who continue to sponsor the university through the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. It is Chicago's oldest Catholic university, established in 1846. The college was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the Chicago Fire in 1871. It continues to be ranked among the top 25 percent of all the midwest master's comprehensive universities, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2011 ranking for best colleges in the midwest. The university ranks thirty-fourth of 142 regional colleges, and is ranked fifth in Illinois. Rankings are based on a set of metrics that are said to reflect a postsecondary institution's quality. The university offers 43 undergraduate majors; more than 40 graduate program options in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing; and a variety of program options in continuing and professional studies. Ninety percent of the students receive financial aid. The university also has an active veterans support program, for veterans participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program and veterans requiring disability accommodations, including financial aid. It maintains deep connections to surrounding communities. University facilities, such as the library, health clinic and religious services, are open to the public, as are sports and cultural events.