
Lisle, ILprivate nonprofitben.edu
Benedictine University is a small, Catholic-affiliated institution in suburban Lisle, Illinois, with a near-open admissions policy (95% acceptance rate) and a pragmatic focus on healthcare, business, and sciences. Its tight-knit campus culture—where 97% of students report feeling safe—belies middling graduation rates (51% in six years), though its $15K net price after aid makes it accessible for first-gen and commuter students.
Benedictine operates with a near-open admissions policy, accepting 95.2% of applicants—one of the highest rates in Illinois. The average admitted student has a 3.21 GPA and 1078 SAT/25 ACT score, though test scores are optional. Recent data shows 3,043 applications for ~2,900 acceptances, with about 1,972 students enrolling annually. The process is straightforward, with no supplemental essays required for most programs.
Benedictine offers 42 undergraduate majors, with standout programs in Public Health, Nursing, and Business Administration. The curriculum blends liberal arts with professional training, anchored by a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Graduate options include 9 master’s degrees (notably an MBA) and 2 doctoral programs (Education and Nursing Practice).
A commuter-heavy campus (77% live off-campus) with a strong Catholic identity, Benedictine balances quiet academics with 50+ clubs and DIII athletics. Traditions include Benedictine Day (service projects) and Eagle Nights (late-campus events). Safety is a selling point—97% of students report feeling secure—though nightlife is limited.
Six-year graduation rates hover at 51%—below national averages—but 65% of alumni are employed full-time within a year. Median earnings are $36,427 early-career, rising for nursing and business graduates. The university struggles with first-year retention (69%), partly due to its commuter population.
With a $15,166 net price after aid (68% of students receive assistance), Benedictine is among Illinois’ more affordable privates. The average aid package is $33,712, mixing merit scholarships (up to $25K) and need-based grants. Tuition freezes for continuous enrollment help families budget.
Benedictine carves a niche with flexible, career-aligned programs (like evening MBA cohorts) and unusually high accessibility—admitting nearly all applicants while maintaining small classes. Its Catholic Benedictine values infuse campus culture (required theology courses, weekly Mass), yet it welcomes interfaith students. The Mesa, AZ branch campus extends its reach for health sciences. For Chicago-area students seeking a low-stress admissions process and strong healthcare pipelines, it’s a pragmatic choice.