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.
About Benedictine University
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.
Why Choose Benedictine University:
- 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
Benedictine University Rankings 2025
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.
Benedictine University Degrees and Programs
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
Benedictine University Tuition Fees
Cost of Living in Lisle, Illinois
Benedictine University Admissions Process 2025
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
- Letter of recommendation
- A resume for graduate programs
Eligibility & GPA Requirements
- 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
Scholarships and Financial Aid
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.
Campus Life at Benedictine University
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.
Benedictine University Notable Alumni
Benedictine University vs Other Illinois Universities
Off-Campus Housing Near Benedictine University
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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