Benedictine University
Lisle, Illinois
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Benedictine University is a Catholic university located just outside of Chicago, Illinois. In the Benedictine tradition, students get an engaging education that emphasizes learning outside of the classroom as much as inside. An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that learning is more personal at Benedictine than at other universities. With an emphasis on group learning and community involvement, Benedictine students become close with one another and build a network for success in college and beyond.
Get to know Benedictine University
College Highlights
EXPLORE SEVERAL DISCIPLINES
Benedictine University is committed to providing a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. Through a series of Interdisciplinary Seminars, students learn to analyze differing perspectives, make their own conclusions, and understand both historical and current issues. The Benedictine curriculum first exposes students to Catholicism and the Benedictine educational tradition, followed by lessons of the “Common Good,” with courses on climate change, healthcare, and more.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Benedictine education is rooted in engaged learning, and undergraduates can engage directly with their coursework through research opportunities. Students, especially those in the College of Science, use research for hands-on experience with their work, deepening both their understanding of the material and their relationships with Benedictine’s leading faculty. The Undergraduate, Research, Scholarship, and Arts (URSA) symposium allows students to present their work in front of faculty and their classmates. URSA is a proving ground for senior theses and research projects that could be presented at regional- and national-level conferences.
GO ABROAD
Global learning is central to Benedictine University’s mission of engaging students and expanding their horizons. Benedictine offers three kinds of study abroad opportunities: Service, Faculty-Led, and Exchange. In conjunction with the S.T.E.P. program, students can serve and learn about the people of Bolivia and the Philippines while helping build homes and working at hospitals and orphanages. Faculty-led trips, on the other hand, give students looking for an international experience with a shorter time frame the opportunity to learn from faculty members in China, Cuba, France, Spain, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and more. These excursions are a perfect opportunity for faculty to immerse students in their areas of interest and expertise. In semester- or year-long exchanges, students get the chance to surround themselves in a different culture, learn from internationally renowned professors, and go on an independent global journey.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 236 | 10-19: 241 | 20-29: 179
30-39: 74 | 40-49: 8 | 50-99: 1 | 100+: 2
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 1%
Hispanic/Latino: 17%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 8%
White, non-Hispanic: 42%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 14%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 0%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 15%
LEARN AS A COMMUNITY
One of the best ways for students to learn is through collaboration, which is intrinsic to a Benedictine University education. The school’s Learning Communities requirement provides students the chance to learn and work as a group, fostering good relationships and interpersonal skills along the way. Groups of students take course concepts outside of the classroom through music ensembles, mission trips, Model UN, and more. Each cohort works closely with a faculty member, allowing them to create a dialogue that leads to both academic and personal growth.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
All Benedictine students go through a rigorous writing curriculum before graduating, ensuring that they have the tools they need to communicate effectively in their next step in life. Starting with basic English courses, the curriculum progresses through a writing course of their choice, a series of writing assignments in major-specific courses, and a final thesis to be completed in their senior year. With continual practice in academic and professional styles of writing, students are prepared for the versatility required in the modern workforce or an advanced degree program.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Benedictine University helps make the tough transition from high school to college easier through a multifaceted first-year experience. The first-year seminar, part of the English 101 course, introduces students to the services, software, and tools that they’ll rely on throughout their college career. The required summer reading gives students a common intellectual ground to discuss themes and topics in class with fellow students and faculty.
Over the first six weeks, faculty are encouraged to engage with students one-on-one, connecting freshmen to the people who know best how to progress through every year of college. With service opportunities, a proactive advising team, and social events, the first year at Benedictine is full of chances to prepare for college life and become a true member of the community.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
GIVING BACK, ONE S.T.E.P. AT A TIME
Throughout their time at Benedictine, students commit not only to growing as individuals, but to helping the community grow as well. The Serving Together Engaging Our Purpose (S.T.E.P.) program connects Benedictine with local, national, and international service-learning projects. Weekly opportunities to serve meals in the local community, partnerships with organizations across the Midwest, and the chance to teach and serve in the Philippines or Bolivia are just a few ways in which Benedictine students learn by doing good for others.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Located in beautiful Lisle, Illinois, Benedictine students have plenty to do after class. Go hiking in one of the nearby forests, take a stroll through the beautiful Morton Arboretum, or cool off at the local Sea Lion Aquatic Park. Venture just 25 miles east to the Windy City of Chicago and all of its iconic sights, sports, and entertainment.
ATHLETICS
The Benedictine Eagles compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports.
Men’s teams: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
Women’s teams: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 42%
Undergraduates: 19%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
PREPARE TO ACE THE NEXT STEP
With the help of Benedictine University’s Academic and Career Enrichment (ACE) Center, students can improve their study skills, chart a career path, and get help in their job search. The ACE Center connects students to professionals for job shadowing and informational interviews to understand the demands of their prospective industry. For first-year students struggling to adapt to college, the Bridge to Success and helps foster friendships, provide writing and math tutoring, and build leadership skills. Finally, when students start looking for full-time jobs and internships, the ACE Center has the resources to make sure they find the perfect fit, nail the interview, and start strong.
INTERNSHIPS
Engaged students at Benedictine use internships to complement their coursework and further their professional development in an actual workplace. All students are required to complete an internship or an equivalent experience to graduate. Internships allow students to test the waters for their future careers, apply classroom concepts, and prepare for life after college.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA
Standardized test scores | Application Essay
Important
Recommendation(s) | Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability
Considered
Class rank | Interview | Character/personal qualities
Alumni/ae relation | Volunteer work | Work experience
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 600
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $32,700
Fees: $1,590
Room: $7,800
Board: $1,680
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Contact Benedictine University
Contact Admissions
ben.edu/admissions
(630) 829-6300
admissions@ben.edu
Campus Location
5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 829-6000
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