About

See what students say:

Academics

Minnesota’s College of Saint Benedict (for women) and Saint John’s University (for men) are two Catholic liberal arts colleges that share one academic program and classes, but retain separate dorms, campuses, and traditions. Students come to this “beautiful, friendly environment” and leave with “a well-rounded education... ready to take on the world.” The Benedictine values “are upheld by every student in everyday life” and help breed graduates that are “all about service and making an impact in the world.” “This school is a must for any student who wants to feel accepted and a part of a rich community, while at the same time receiving an education that is second to none,” says one junior. Professors truly take to heart the feedback they receive from their students, are “extremely dedicated and passionate,” and “are willing to work...on projects outside of class even if it means extra work for them.” They “are interested in us figuring things out for ourselves” and are “big on [students] being prepared for class so more time can be spend discussing or practicing material instead of lecturing.” The ultimate testament to faculty involvement: “At CSB/SJU, I have never had a professor that has struggled to know my name (besides the fact that I am a twin).” Discussion is “lively” (particularly in upper division courses), and students “are offered many great opportunities to further our experiences and education.” The open environment “does what it can to help students feel comfortable and learn.”

The school provides “excellent scientific and business opportunities” and “endless connections with not only other schools across the nation, but...across the world” that aid in post-undergraduate employment or continued education opportunities. The “incredible” study abroad program sees a large number of students take advantage of it at some point in their college careers.

Student Body

Most of the “Johnnies” and “Bennies” here are “from Minnesota or the surrounding states,” are “hard-working, fun-loving,” and “believe in the importance of education.” Not surprisingly, the majority are Catholic and take “‘Minnesota Nice’ to a whole new level”: “Expect to have doors open for you [and] people smile and greet you on occasion when you’re passing by.” People have no trouble finding a friend group with related interests via “the many clubs and activities that are offered.” “Everyone fits like a puzzle piece” and students “commonly have social issues that they are passionate about, such as gender equality, sustainability, [or] health and wellness.”

Campus Life

The school “really makes sure your transition into your first semester runs smoothly” and that students “have a lot of options for meeting new people.” The Student Activities and Leadership Development Office plans “large campus events such as orientation and Thanksgiving dinners,” and also has an “inspired leaders series” of after-hours classes taught by professors that promote leadership on campus. On weekends, students often take adventure trips (like “California Surfing trips, Boundary Waters canoe trips, and Colorado climbing trips”) with the school’s Peer Resource Program.

School pride is “ridiculous” at CSB/SJU and athletic events “are the high points for entertainment,” especially against rival St. Thomas. For fun, students take advantage of the school’s “rich recreational abilities” both in the arboretum and on nearby waterways, where “ice fishing, fishing, hiking, and hanging out at the beach are popular.” “The warm months of the year are awesome with the lake/raft open. It feels like a summer camp,” says a student. Many students “do go out on the weekends” to parties or bars, but there is an “outstanding campus programming board” that plans events every weekend on campus as an alternative to drinking. “As long as you can step out that door and make good use of your time, you’ll have an amazing time,” assures a sophomore.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Angie Arens or Peggy Boettcher
Admissions Office Coordinator

Address
CSB/SJU Admissions Office
P.O. Box 7155
Collegeville, MN 56321

Phone
800-544-1489

Email
admissions@csbsju.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Gorecki Dining Center/Sexton Commons
Learning Commons at SJU
Warner Palaestra/Clemens Field House
Lake Sagatagan/Stella Maris Chapel
Clemens Perk/The Schuh Coffee shops
15 KM hiking trails Hill Museum and Manuscript Library

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Local Blend Coffee Shop
Parkwood 18 Movie Theater
Gary's Pizza
Crossroads Center (shopping mall)
Lake Wobegon Trail: 46 mile, paved trail
Twin Cities venues such as Walker Art Museum, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Guthrie Theater, Target Field and Xcel Energy Center for sporting events and concerts

Campus Tours

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Check website for special visit days and programs https://www.csbsju.edu/admission/visit/programs

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
admissions@csbsju.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Available for accepted students only; Sunday through Thursday nights only

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The LINK bus operates between campuses and into the city of St. Cloud. international airport is in Minneapolis/Saint Paul (75 miles) and there is a shuttle service=Executive Express- to the schools from this airport. There is a shuttle bus from St. Cloud that links to NORTHSTAR commuter rail.AMTRAK stops in St. Cloud (10 miles away). Jefferson Lines serves the St. Cloud area.

Driving Instructions to Campus
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University both are located on Interstate 94 and the exits are specific for the schools. Directions to College of Saint Benedict From the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport Take MN#5 West to I-494 West. Take I-494 West to I-94 West approximately 25 miles. Take I-94 West to St. Joseph, approximately 57 miles, exit #160, County Road 2. Turn right on County Road 2 into St. Joseph. Turn right on College Avenue - 2nd stop sign. The Main Administration building is approximately two blocks on your right. Parking is available for visitors on the left side of the street in Lot #1. The Admission Office is located in Room 110 of the Main Building. Directions to Saint John's University From the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport Take MN#5 West to I-494 West. Take I-494 West to I-94 West approximately 25 miles. Take I-94 West to Saint John's University exit #156, approximately 60 miles, County Road 159. Turn left on County Road 159. Go approximately 1 1/2 miles to Saint John's University. Visitor parking is available to the left and right of the square in front of the Abbey church bell banner. The Great Hall is to the right of the Abbey church bell banner. Saint John's Information Desk is located inside the Great Hall.

Local Accommodations
A range of motels/hotels are available in St. Cloud (10 miles east). There is also a Rodeway Inn in St. Joseph, MN.

Admissions

Applicants: 3,483
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Average HS GPA: 3.57






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