Understanding Benedictine University Tuition Fees and Costs

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. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the tuition fees, cost of living, financial aid options, and other related expenses associated with attending Benedictine University. Understanding these costs is crucial for prospective students and their families to plan their finances effectively.

Benedictine University: An Overview

Benedictine 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.

Why Choose Benedictine University?

Over 80% of students receive some form of financial assistance. The university places Emphasis on leadership, values-based, and service education. It also offers accredited programs in business, health, education, and science. Ranked as a safe suburban campus in terms of its access to the Chicago job market, Benedictine provides Options to study hybrid, online, and on-campus.

Benedictine University Rankings

Understanding a university’s rankings can help you assess its regional and national standing.News)Top 250 nationwideCollege Factual - Value for Money (IL)Top 20 private universities

Degrees and Programs Offered

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

Tuition Fees at Benedictine University

Tuition is a significant factor for prospective students when considering higher education. Benedictine University's tuition varies depending on the program. Here's a breakdown:

Estimated Annual Tuition (USD)

Undergraduate: $35,960
Graduate (General): $18,500 - $30,000
Online MBA (Full): $24,000 total
Doctoral Programs: $40,000+ total

It is important to note that Benedictine University reserves the right to change tuition, fees, courses, and sequencing of courses without notice. All tuition remission students and consortium students must pay applicable fees such as student service, graduation, certificate, course, and lab fees.

Cost of Living in Lisle, Illinois

Beyond tuition, the cost of living is another crucial factor to consider. Lisle, Illinois, offers a suburban environment with varying expenses. Here is an estimated monthly breakdown:

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

Understanding the Admissions Process

Navigating the admissions process is the first step towards attending Benedictine University. Admissions are rolling, and international students are instructed to file their application in advance, 3-4 months before the beginning of the program.

Read also: Affording ECU

Required Documentation

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. The university is dedicated to helping students make education affordable through an array of financial aid options, including scholarships and support for military students.

Scholarship Opportunities

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.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Feb 1 (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)
Priority Application Due: Not available (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.)
Notification Date: Not available (When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.)
Response Due: Not available (The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.)

Campus Life and Amenities

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.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

Student Organizations and Activities

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
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.

Payment Plans and Options

Tuition and fees are incurred at the time of registration. Tuition is due in full within seven calendar days after the first class meeting. A "Statement of Account" is generated and available on MyBenU once each month. This statement reflects only that activity which has taken place on your student account in the last billing cycle (similar to your checking/savings/credit card statements of account).

Payment Methods

ACH/eCheck and credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) can be made online at MyBenU. All credit and debit card transactions are assessed a non-refundable convenience fee. Payments can be made in-person with cash or check at Ben Central. Payments made by personal check, business check, or online by ACH will be subject to a 3-business day hold to allow for clearance of funds. This hold will not be lifted until 3 business days have passed, regardless of your scheduled registration date.

Payment Plans

Benedictine University provides interest-free monthly payment plans through MyBenU (administered by TouchNet). Students may set-up plans to manage their out-of-pocket tuition costs annually or per term, depending on their program. Students may enroll online through MyBenU or make a parent/guardian an authorized user to set up a payment plan. For a fee of $25, students can enroll in a monthly payment plan and make payments toward their tuition balance for a single term. The payment plan for fall begins August 1 and begins January 1 for spring. Balances must be paid in full prior to the next quarter/semester registration or start date. For a $25 fee per session, students can enroll in a single tuition payment due at the end of the term/session (plus approximately a month grace period).

Documentation of your approval in your employer's tuition assistance plan must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office of Benedictine University prior to enrolling in this plan. An updated copy of your eligibility must be submitted annually. After submitting the documentation, you will receive notification from the Financial Aid Office that you are eligible to enroll in the payment plan.

Third-Party Payments

The Business and Finance Office will bill a third party (an organization, business, or agency) for any and all charges on a student’s account, if a valid authorization from the third party sponsor is received on or before the beginning of the course/term. Benedictine University will send an invoice to the third party after the add/drop period. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice and is not contingent upon the student successfully completing the course.

Comparing Benedictine University to Other Illinois Universities

To provide a broader perspective, it is helpful to compare Benedictine University with other universities in Illinois:

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%

Financial Aid Statistics

Understanding the financial aid landscape can help students anticipate their potential costs:

Average Per Year After Aid: $15,166
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 68.43%
Average Aid Package: $33,712

Average Net Price by Household Income

The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. At Benedictine University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $22,500. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $239.

Online Degree Benefits and Tuition

A Benedictine University education can provide valuable returns as you progress through your career. Benedictine delivers considerable value for your tuition dollar, propelling your professional growth through career-aligned degree and certificate programs. You’ll complete courses through our innovative online platform, receiving personal attention and support as a Benedictine student and beyond.

Financial Aid Options for Online Students

Benedictine University’s Financial Aid Office aims to help students achieve an affordable online education. Several financial aid options are available to students who need assistance. Regardless of income, almost all students can qualify for some form of financial aid.

FAFSA®: Be sure to complete the Federal Application for Student Aid after you apply to your online program. Include Benedictine’s school code (001767) to release your FAFSA results to the Office of Financial Aid.
Scholarships: Benedictine University is proud to offer several scholarship opportunities to help adult learners continue their education while balancing their work and life commitments.
Loans: You can pursue a variety of loans to make your education more cost-effective. The options include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a low-interest loan with a fixed rate. Graduate students can also pursue the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
Military Benefits: As a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program, Benedictine strives to provide cost-effective online programs to active-duty and veteran service members.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers reimburse employees for part or all of their tuition for online programs.

Notable Alumni

Benedictine University has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:

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. Congressman (Ohio)

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