Benedictine University

Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church, and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict.
Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We seek to provide a transformative and integrative educational experience grounded in Benedictine values, helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
Benedictine University has rolling admissions and does not have a deadline for accepting new applications for the fall semester. We encourage traditional undergraduate students to apply within the first semester of their senior year of high school. The application review process takes approximately one week. Once your completed application has been received and reviewed, an admissions counselor will personally contact you by phone with your admission status. Prospective first-year students should accept admission and pay the tuition deposit no later than May 1 to secure their spot for the incoming freshman class.
If students do not meet minimum admission requirements, they are encouraged to submit a minimum one-page personal statement. The topic of this personal statement is, "What are your academic strengths, and how will they help you at Benedictine?". The personal statement is meant to be a reflection of past academic coursework and your writing ability. You must provide all relevant information about your academic performance and high school experience.
The Admission Committee meets weekly to review applications for prospective students who do not meet the minimum admission requirements. The Admission Committee looks for well-rounded students who will be successful and contribute to the Benedictine University community. If you have any specific questions about admission requirements, your statement, or the Admission Committee, please contact your Admissions Counselor.
Benedictine's broad-based liberal arts program creates well-rounded students because the University believes that even if students pursue a science career, they should read, write, and speak well. Our graduates are CEOs, Ivy League professors, scientists, high school educators, and pioneers in solving global issues. Benedictine teachers are committed and accomplished. Our faculty know you by your first name in our friendly environment, where the average class size is 17 students. Faculty frequently are honored with grants, fellowships, and awards. Academic advisors and career counselors help students develop academic plans, discuss internship opportunities, and explore career possibilities.
Benedictine University's mission and vision reflect its Catholic and Benedictine identity, providing continuity with the past and future direction. In 1887 the monks of St. Procopius Abbey founded Benedictine University. They have been active sponsors of the institution throughout its history, first as St. Procopius College, later as Illinois Benedictine College, and today as Benedictine University. The monks base their lives on the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the sixth century. They share the Benedictine charism with all who embrace the University's Catholic and Benedictine mission.
We are Catholic. All are welcome. Benedictine University seeks employees who understand and contribute to the University's mission and vision. Inspired by our Catholic Benedictine mission and identity, our academic community is committed to inclusion. As an institution, we express our commitment to our identity as a Catholic and Benedictine institution through our values manifested throughout the University. As such, all employees are expected to support the University's Catholic Benedictine mission and identity and contribute to its distinctive intellectual life to help each student, and each other thrive academically, professionally, and personally in our religiously and culturally diverse academic community.
The University's policy on HIV reflects the University's mission, character, and commitment, particularly as these statements pertain to individuals' human dignity. Therefore, the University does not discriminate against individuals diagnosed as HIV positive or as having AIDS. An applicant or employee must perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is defined as a suggested change or adjustment to a job or work environment (subject to the limits in applicable law) that permits a qualified job applicant or employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to employees without disabilities.
Benedictine University was founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago in 1887. The Benedictine Order bears St. Benedict, born in 480, who is acknowledged as the father of western monasticism. In 528, he established the famed monastery of Monte Cassino.
The first building on the Lisle campus was dedicated in September 1901. That building was expanded into the 1920s, with new buildings added in 1950. The University was initially founded to educate men of Czech and Slovak descent, and in the early years, most of the students were from those ethnic groups. The University became coeducational in 1968.
Today, undergraduate enrollment has grown to more than 3,300, and total enrollment is nearly 10,000. The University offers 56 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. Most Benedictine students are from the Chicago area and Illinois, although 50 states and more than 15 foreign countries are represented.