Benedictine University: Your Future Starts Here.
Founded in 1887, Benedictine University is a private Catholic university located in Lisle, Illinois, about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and serves approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and roughly 2,500 graduate students each year. Students benefit from personalized attention, small class sizes, and hands-on learning opportunities. The campus provides modern facilities, research centers, and exciting student life, while its proximity to Chicago gives access to internships, cultural experiences, and professional opportunities, preparing graduates for careers across a wide range of fields.
Founded in 1887, Benedictine University is a private Catholic university located in Lisle, Illinois, about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The university has more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and serves approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and roughly 2,500 graduate students each year.
Over 80% of students receive some form of financial assistance.
Emphasis on leadership, values-based, and service education
Accredited programs in business, health, education, and science
Ranked as a safe suburban campus in terms of its access to the Chicago job market
Options to study hybrid, online, and on-campus
Understanding a university’s rankings can help you assess its regional and national standing. The following table highlights Benedictine University’s 2025 rankings across academics, online programs, and value for money, giving prospective students insight into its reputation and strengths.
| Category | Rank/Recognition |
|---|---|
| U.S. News - Regional Universities (Midwest) | #82 |
| Best Online MBA (U.S. News) | Top 250 nationwide |
| College Factual – Value for Money (IL) | Top 20 private universities |
The university provides opportunities for classes of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral work for study in degrees related to business, health sciences, liberal arts,humanities, education, and technology.
Degrees Offered :
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Master of Business Administration (MBA, Online/On-campus)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
| Program Type | Estimated Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $35,960 |
| Graduate (General) | $18,500 – $30,000 |
| Online MBA (Full) | $24,000 total |
| Doctoral Programs | $40,000+ total |
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Shared Apartment Rent | $700 – $1,100 |
| Utilities & Internet | $100 – $150 |
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $400 |
| Transportation | $80 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 |
| Total (Approx.) | $1,230 – $2,000/month |
Admissions are rolling. International students are instructed to file their application in advance, 3-4 months before the beginning of the program. Examples of supporting documentation include:
Fully completed application
Official academic transcripts
Statement of purpose (SOP)
Official test scores (TOEFL iBT: 79+, IELTS: 6.5+) to show proficiency in English
A resume for graduate programs
Undergraduate: Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Graduate: Minimum GPA of 3.0
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional but recommended
English language tests are mandatory for non-native speakers
Benedictine University provides not only merit, need, and departmental scholarships, but also offers several awards and popular scholarships:
International Student Merit Scholarship - more than $10,000/year
Dean’s Scholarship - more than $14,000/year
Graduate Assistantships in specific master’s programs
Domestic students applying for federal aid must complete the FAFSA.
Benedictine University’s 108-acre suburban campus in Lisle, Illinois, features modern classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, and athletic facilities, creating a supportive environment for students.
Students can join over 50 clubs and organizations, including Student Senate, which represents the student body and organizes campus initiatives; Campus Ministry, offering faith-based programs and community service opportunities; Model United Nations, which enhances diplomacy and public speaking skills; International Student Organization, promoting cultural diversity through events and activities; and Jazz Band and Concert Band, providing opportunities for performance and music appreciation.
For athletics, students can participate in club sports or cheer on teams at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, home to football, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field programs. The campus also offers dining options, wellness facilities, and career services, along with free shuttles to the Lisle train station and nearby shopping districts. Reviews highlight the university’s supportive faculty, small class sizes, and career-focused programs, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging student experience.
| Name | Recognition / Role | Degree or Area Studied | Year (Graduated or Attended) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Kowalewski | Record-setting baseball All-American at Benedictine | B.A. in Sociology | Graduated 1997 |
| Kathleen Keller (née Enochs) | NCAA Division III softball standout, record-winning pitcher | B.A. in Elementary Education | Graduated 1996 |
| James Laski | Youngest elected Chicago City Clerk | Degree in Sociology | Early 1990s |
| Jim Renacci | Former U.S. Congressman (Ohio) | B.B.A. in Business Administration | Early 1990s |
| Terrance Gainer | U.S. Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (110th Congress) | Degree in Government / Political Science | Graduated 1969 |
Benedictine University vs Other Illinois Universities
| Feature | Benedictine Univ. | DePaul Univ. | Roosevelt Univ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (UG) | $35,960 | $43,665 | $31,360 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 | 16:1 | 11:1 |
| On-Campus Housing Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | ~61% | ~69% | ~77% |
Many students studying at Benedictine University prefer off-campus housing because it gives them more freedom, privacy, and amenities that feel more like home. Cities and towns across the state, especially those near colleges like Benedictine University and the, offer plenty of student-friendly neighborhoods with easy access to campus.
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It offers undergrad and grad degrees in business, health, education, and arts. Popular picks include Nursing, MBA, and Public Health.
Apply online with transcripts. Test scores are optional for most programs. International students need English proficiency.
Undergrad tuition is around $35,000/year. Grad tuition varies by program.
It’s ranked among the best universities in Illinois for academics and value.
Yes, both merit-based and need-based scholarships are available for domestic and international students.