Unigo Top Student Rated School

College of Saint Benedict

37 S. College Ave.

Saint Joseph MN 56374

27 Ratings
Write A Review
Write A Review & Enter To Win $1,000 Scholarship
See Details

About College of Saint Benedict

Founded in 1913, College of Saint Benedict. is a Private college. Located in Minnesota, which is a city setting in Minnesota, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 1,958 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The College of Saint Benedict Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 153 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at College of Saint Benedict include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate87%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range880-1130
ACT Range22-28

Admissions at CSB are considered Less Selective, with ,22% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 27 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

95% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 76% were in the top quarter, and 37% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at College of Saint Benedict.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
12%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
88%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
42%
“We bought the gear”
46%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
66%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
22%
“They keep regular office hours”
78%
“They”re always available”
78%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
16%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
6%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
69%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
2%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
18%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
12%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
12%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
88%
“I feel extremely safe”
12%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
42%
“We bought the gear”
46%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
66%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
22%
“They keep regular office hours”
78%
“They”re always available”
78%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
16%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
6%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
69%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
2%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    42 Students rated on-campus housing 4.4 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    27 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    43 Students rated campus food 4.4 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    44 Students rated campus facilities 4.6 stars. 70 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    44 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 77 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    44 Students rated school activities 4.4 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    44 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    44 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

College of Saint Benedict REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of College of Saint Benedict?

27 Students rated College of Saint Benedict

Alexis

When I visited this college, I was amazed. The campus is so pretty and there are so many different activities. I am thankful that this is one of my top schools. At first, I was a little skeptical because it was a private Christian school but don't let that fool you. The dorms were big and they had so many little places to study. I am in love with the college of Saint Benedicts!

Bree

My experience at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) was truly transformative. The small class sizes fostered a close-knit community, allowing for meaningful connections with professors who genuinely cared about my academic success and personal growth. The liberal arts curriculum provided a well-rounded education, challenging me to think critically and explore diverse perspectives. CSB's emphasis on women's leadership and empowerment was inspiring, and the supportive environment encouraged me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. The campus itself was beautiful and serene, providing the perfect backdrop for learning and reflection. The partnership with Saint John's University (SJU) added another layer of richness to the experience, offering a wider range of courses and activities while maintaining a strong sense of community. The study abroad program was exceptional, allowing me to broaden my horizons and gain a global perspective. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for my time at CSB. It provided me with the foundation I needed to succeed in my career and pursue my passions. If you are looking for a college that values intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and community engagement, I highly recommend CSB.

Alex

I think the College of Saint Benedict is an excellent place to receive a college degree. Be prepared to take out loans. The College is expensive and working with the Financial Aid Department can be frustrating. Admissions however is a great group of people. The community of students is exceptional. Everyone is so nice, and students love working together in order to help each other succeed. The alumni connections and possibilities for finding a job after are also incredible. CSB+SJU are #1 and #2 in Minnesota for finding a job after college!

Grace

I love CSBSJU because of the professors' dedication to interact with their students and create that relationship between them. The class sizes are very ideal for someone like and intellectually stimulating. While, for the most part, CSBSJU are two very diverse campuses, improvement still needs to be made on how to handle racial situations and not use their "diversity" simply as a label for the colleges.

Aria

They promote community, yet so many are left out. I feel like the institution doesn't care about me. I have continually felt unheard, unvalued, and pushed aside when it comes to my concerns. Many of the nursing professors seem to only care about NCLEX scores instead of the actual student themselves, and they have been unwilling to listen to any of my concerns. They constantly bring racial microaggressions into the classroom and seem unwilling to listen to concerns regarding the level of cultural competency they are teaching. I am so disappointed with my experience and don't think I could recommend this school to anyone.

Madilyn

I think the College of Saint Benedict is an overall amazing school! It provides small class sizes, so if questions come up, professors are almost always available to help. The one area this school could improve is the inclusion of ethnically diverse students. It is a majority caucasian school with little diversity and inclusion of other races. I myself am of mixed race, and have found some difficult times of being called out in class and around campus because of it. Regardless of this issue, I can truly say it is a quality education with compassionate and driven students and staff.

Haley

I love CSB/SJU. We're such a tight-knit community. You step onto our campuses and you feel like you're immediately at home. I'd say that the only negatives are the price tag if you don't get enough scholarships/grants (everyone gets financial aid though) and that I wish the student body was a bit more diverse as it's a Midwest school. Love love LOVE My School!

Maria

The student life and the academics at the College of Saint Benedict are about equal. There is a diversity of clubs and extracurricular activities to get involved in, especially when it comes to the environment. Since St. Ben's population is on the smaller side, it allows for students and staff to interact more often. The consequences of this is that both the professors and the students are on the same page when it comes to the students' learning, and the students' individual progress is advanced through these interactions. When it comes to dorm life, there could be more activities, but my overall experience at the College of Saint Benedict's was excellent!

Georgia

I think that it is a great school to attend for a specific list of majors and to study abroad. It is a small private school that provides a sense of community and safety, but still be careful because partying is a very common scene at this school. The school is located in a small town just out of a larger town so not everything is easily accessible, but in near reach.

Jordana

I am originally from Houston and ended up visiting other colleges like Washington and Jefferson, Vanderbilt etc. College of Saint Benedict though impact me the most because the people are so high spirited and you feel welcome immediately in campus.

Madison

I throughly enjoy the school. It is a small school who cares about their students and really tries to make you feel at home. The community is strong on campus and someone will always say hello. It is in a small town, but it is cute and not far from bigger ones. I also like the two campus aspect and mix with the Johnnies. There is good food and housing options as well as a variety of activities.

Sheridan

I absolutely love this school, it feels like home to me and I enjoy gettin up everyday for class. I am also a student athlete and that is a time commitment but I still get to hangout with friends and I am constantly meeting new people. It is a small campus, which I love, because you get to know everyone pretty quickly.

Maria

You may notice that I have selected 3 stars for all the categories available. This is not because the College of Saint Benedict is 100% mediocre all the time in all regards, but because the student body is quite mediocre and a school is what its students make it. We participate, but not too much. We work hard, but not too hard. We party, but not too much.

Skyla

I love Saint Benedict. It’s such a gorgeous place. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Everyone there is very sweet and kind. I love the quality and how the college makes me feel like home. It’s such a good school, and I really hope I can visit again and be a student there. Can’t wait!

Tynesha

It is not very diverse and I wish it was. Sometimes I feel like I am an outsider. At a period of time our campus did not feel safe to me. There were white supremacy posters posted in town and I did not feel like I belong. I then Met some wonderful people and I am willing to stick it out and make CSB a better place!

College of Saint Benedict FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at College of Saint Benedict?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for College of Saint Benedict is 87%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Girls live with girls and guys live with guys. It's not that big of a deal, but you do have to make a bit more of an effort to make friends with the opposite sex. Plus, the girls' dorms are way nicer than the guys'! I think that the attention to gender is very interesting at our school Both the Women's and Men's Centers host very interesting speakers and I've enjoyed learning about this. In my time at CSB|SJU, I have traveled to Kansas City, Chicago, Dallas and just returned from a semester abroad in South America. There are so many opportunities to travel and see more of the US and the world, it is hard to not take advantage of at least one of these experiences!

    Read all 51 answers
  3. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Take your time. It's okay. I know things are tough, but your education doesn't need to suffer. Let everything else be. Despite what everyone is telling you, you are loved and it is okay to excel in school. Try hard. Study hard. DO your best. Education is what will help you achieve your dreams in the end. When you graduate, don't wait to go to college. Find what you strive for. Reach and take hold of all you desire in life. Family problems will take care of themselves. You don't need to worry or solve them all. A little focus on yourself isn't bad. Everyone needs,including you, and it's ALL RIGHT to need. It's ALL RIGHT to be yourself. If they don't accept you for who you are, that's their problem.

    Read all 48 answers
  4. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are hardworkers and have learned to integrate Benedictine values into their lives. They are creative thinkers, outgoing and friendly, and know how to have fun even in the simplest situations.

    Read all 47 answers
  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    I've never had a class with more than about 30 students and I love this about our school. Professors have always encouraged me to come see them if I need help, and you are hurting yourself if you don't! I feel that this goes both ways; if you don't participate in class or get help when necessary, then you are asking to get a less-than-stellar grade. Most students double major and it's great that they make graduating in 4 years a priority. I am able to double major, I studied abroad and I still have wiggle room in my schedule (and none of my AP credits transferred). The Career Resource Center is a great place to take advantage of. They are always offering seminars on majors you may be interested in, and bring in major companies like Target to conduct interviews on campus. You can leave CSB with a job if you'd like, but I think that many students leave with wanderlust to travel the world because so many of us have studied abroad!

    Read all 46 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The stereotype is that CSB students eat alot. This is completely false. Bennies are healthy, in shape and very athletic.

    Read all 42 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    You can be as involved or as uninvolved as you like at CSB|SJU. THis is a school of 4,000 so you can take advantage of as many activities as you like or remain anonymous. I like this about my school. I have chosen to be involved at school and I've met so many interesting people and professors that I wouldn't have otherwise. You can really do anything on campus- there are scholarships and fellowships and grants offered to students to make it all possible. When it comes to the weekend, you have many options. One of the things I love at CSB is that you can party if you want, but if that isn't your preference, there are many people that don't and you can take advantage of the student activities held on campus. They really do a great job of offering nightly speakers, seminars, game-nights and concerts for students, and most are free admission. When students drink, they drink in their dorms/apartments, take the buses into St. Joe and get home by 2 on the Link. No one drives when they are drinking, because St Joe is small enough to get everywhere on foot. There is definitely a nice balance between those that party 24/7 and those that never drink. Also on weekends, many people go into St. Cloud to get some non-cafeteria food, grocery shop, go to Target, etc. They offer buses into St. Cloud on the weekends, but most people take their cars if they have one.

    Read all 41 answers
  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is located on a gorgeous piece of property with it's own lake, and nature trails and I love that; academically speaking it is pretty good, but I didn't feel challenged enough.

    Read all 16 answers
  9. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The College of Saint Benedict has a great community feel to its campus, it has a helpful staff, a perfect home-like feel to it, a perfect location, and they want to help you become the best at whatever it is you want to be and will do whatever they can to help you get there.

    Read all 14 answers
  10. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about my school is the teacher to student ratio. My classes are rarely over 20 students, so I feel as though I have a good relationship with any professor that I have. You are never short on attention.

    Read all 13 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The College of Saint Benedict is an all girls school best known for its teaching of Benedictine value and its partnership with the all boys Saint Johns University in Collegeville, MN.

    Read all 11 answers
  12. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    White girls from the Twin City suburbs who come to college to find a husband at St. Johns.

    Read all 11 answers
  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Everyone should consider attending this school because there are clubs, groups, majors, and programs to match all different kinds of people.

    Read all 10 answers
  14. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Especially attending CSB from out of state (and out of the surrounding states ND, SD, IA, WI) the grand majority of people are from Minnesota. I have met people from all over the country that attend CSB|SJU and there are quite a few international students as well. I have liked getting to know this state better and have been invited to many of my friends' homes in Minnesota. The stereotype that everyone is Catholic is definitely not true. I have met people of many other religions and our school is very open to other beliefs. Yes, many were raised Catholic, but it's not like the entire student population attends weekly mass.

    Read all 9 answers
  15. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Teh worst thing about my school is the lack of diversity. Sometime i really wish that I would have gone to a more divers school because of the experience that comes along with that.

    Read all 9 answers
  16. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I knew how much responsibility it was to live on your own, and manage time more effectively. College isn't just about the parties like you see on t.v.

    Read all 8 answers
  17. What are your classes like?

    My classes are all pretty layed back. I am currently taking Spanish 112 and my teacher is so amazing she makes the class actually likable. My second class is economics and my teacher is Indian, sometimes it is nice to have the diversity in the classroom. Another class that I am taking is Management 201 which is basically like an intro to management, and I love it. My teacher is super fun and easy(which is always nice) and he keeps the class involved which is really nice. My last class is Calc, I like math, but my professor isn't the greatest thing. Class, is well, class. Nothing special or out of the ordinary.

    Read all 7 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The beuty of the campus, my professors, and my social life.

    Read all 6 answers
  19. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about CSB/SJU is some of the "Core Classes" that I had to take, but that has been changed so the "Core Requirements" are easier to meet now.

    Read all 5 answers
  20. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    The food at St. Ben's is awesome. It's buffet style and there are so many options each and every day.

    Read all 5 answers
  21. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person who does not take education seriously and is not coreer/goal oriented would not fit in well with the students at St. Bens. Students that are not hardworking to earn great grades would not be able to keep up with coursework and intensity of this school.

    Read all 4 answers

Student Body

Students

100%

female

N/A

male

1,958

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

16%

Out-Of-State

84%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

94

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

81%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
3%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
78%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending College of Saint Benedict receive some sort of financial aid. 29% were awarded federal grants.74%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$42,271

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$10,535

Room and Board

53,806

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,605
$30 - $48K
$16,694
$48 - $75K
$20,673
$75 - $110K
$25,242
$110K & UP
$30,838

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO College of Saint Benedict?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH