College of Saint Benedict

Photo by: Bobak Ha’Eri. Retrieved from: commons.wikimedia.org

College of Saint Benedict has created just as strong of a foundation for young women from around the world, just as its partner, Saint John’s University has for young men. Operating alongside the astounding Saint John’s University, the men’s college, students from both campuses can engage in a co-educational learning experience while living on separate campuses. The intense focus on leadership and an overall development, College of Saint Benedict holds over 150 years of experience in providing high quality residential education with a liberal arts foundation. Many students take advantage of pursing the various professional and science-based programs such as Business and Commerce Administration. Students who prefer to pursue double majors can find their selection in over 75 different course offerings.

Providing students with a stable and supportive environment is a vital aspect of their academic and professional success. This well-suited and enriching collegiate atmosphere enables students to develop and strengthen their social and leadership skills, while engaging in an extensive academic preparation. This experience can only enhance the college training for the entire student body. Saint Benedict’s has established a strong presence on campus and throughout the country, presenting students with various opportunities to achieve their goals and push their education to the next level. Helping young women to develop such skills, academic enrichment and professional preparation will help them to achieve their goals and spread their experience throughout their communities and work places.

School History

College of Saint Benedict was founded in 1857 and is currently one of the oldest educational facilities in the Midwest. Since the beginning of their existence, the University has been in famously known for their production of Johnnie Bread, coarse-grained bread that is harvested right on campus grounds and sold to fund academic and community projects. The University was established after a long history of Catholic schools established by the Benedictine Fathers of St. John’s Abbey. In early 1856, an Abbot from St. Vincent’s Abbey was sent to Minnesota to develop both a monastery and a school. Originally called Saint Benedict’s Seminary, the name was change to College of Saint Benedict in 1863 when the Act of the State Legislature was signed.

College of Saint Benedict is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Many individual programs offered hold additional accreditation such as from the American Chemical Society, The American Dietetic Association and the Council on Social Work Education.

The College of Saint Benedict Presidents that have served throughout the years have been an iconic part of the school’s history. Early presidents such as Rupert Seidenbusch and Alexius Edelrock were responsible for establishing the foundation, creating the Vicariate of Northern Minnesota and transformed the main building of the campus. By 1908, the theology course was attracting students from various communities and territories, starting a trend over the next few years to incorporate and fine-tune an eclectic curriculum.

Campus Life

The College of Saint Benedict campus consists of a wide variety of terrains that give students an array of opportunities to enjoy such as nature walks, relaxing waterfront picnic areas by the lakes, and the beautiful scenes from the wetlands. Since the University is partnered with the College of Saint Benedict, the women’s college, all students can access the resources that are available on both campuses. This type of diverse setting offers students a sense of structure yet gives them the freedom to learn. There is a strong focus on leadership throughout the campus, giving students the tools needed to take initiative in their professional, spiritual and academic success. The close community bond that is developed on campus enables students to also help each other achieve their goals.

College of Saint Benedict offers a wide array of activities, groups, clubs and organizations that meet throughout both campuses. Students can enjoy the extensive services and opportunities of the International Student Program or take advantage of the various resources in the Intercultural Center. Despite personal preference, the campus offers something to attract every student while offering them the experiences needed to develop their skills. With over 85 clubs and organizations, the majority of students are involved in at least one special interest group or athletic team.

Living on campus offers a unique experience for students, maintaining access to a variety of health and wellness counseling, career development, as well as athletics and recreation opportunities. When it comes to residence life on campus, students reside in variety of residence houses, international halls and special interest complexes. With a strict structure implemented to ensure student safety, all students are required to a break request form if remaining on campus during holiday breaks and semester recess. All students have access to the dining facilities as well as the Residence Hall Linen Program that offers access to laundry facilities on campus.

Financial Aid

College of Saint Benedict offers extensive assistance to students when it comes to financial aid options. With several deadlines stretched throughout the school year, staff members from the Office of Financial Aid are available to assist students in the application process to ensure optimized schedules, with the least amount of financial stress. Highly known for the Early Action programs, the University offers students a variety of different scholarships and grant options to help cover the costs of tuition and related expenses.

All students that attend Saint Benedict’s are encouraged to apply for all financial aid options available to them. Utilizing the FAFSA loan application is recommended to initialize the process, giving students an idea of the funding options they may qualify for. The University offers merit-based scholarships based on need and academic achievement. At the College of Saint Benedict, all students are considered for internal grants that do not require repayment to assist with the cost of their college experience. These grants may range from full tuition coverage to assistance with books and supplies throughout the school year.

Rankings

2017 College Rankings