About Benedictine College
Benedictine College builds its identity around Catholic liberal arts education combined with a active athletic culture. The 2,236 students gather on a traditional campus in small-town Kansas, where faith and academics intersect with competitive sports. With a 98.83% acceptance rate, the college welcomes nearly all applicants while maintaining academic standards reflected in its average SAT score of 1235. The Ravens compete in NAIA athletics across 15 varsity sports, with 919 total athletes representing over 40% of the student body.
Students pay an average net price of $27,477 after aid, less than the sticker price of $47,820. Graduates earn a median of $53,175 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,599 with monthly payments around $261. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job market outcomes. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $22,718, making Catholic education more accessible than the tuition suggests.
The student body draws primarily from outside Kansas, with 75.65% coming from other states. The 80.44% retention rate indicates most students find their fit, though the 65.10% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor. Campus housing accommodates 1,628 students, fostering the close-knit community atmosphere that defines the Benedictine experience.
Students pay an average net price of $27,477 after aid, less than the sticker price of $47,820. Graduates earn a median of $53,175 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,599 with monthly payments around $261. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job market outcomes. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $22,718, making Catholic education more accessible than the tuition suggests.
The student body draws primarily from outside Kansas, with 75.65% coming from other states. The 80.44% retention rate indicates most students find their fit, though the 65.10% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor. Campus housing accommodates 1,628 students, fostering the close-knit community atmosphere that defines the Benedictine experience.
Academics & Faculty
Benedictine College offers a Catholic liberal arts education that emphasizes both intellectual growth and spiritual formation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know students personally and can provide individualized guidance. About 66% of students graduate in four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The college is particularly known for its strong business, education, and theology programs, which align with its mission of developing ethical leaders. As a liberal arts institution, students complete a broad core curriculum covering philosophy, literature, sciences, and Catholic teachings before diving into their major. The traditional semester system and close-knit academic community foster deep discussions between faculty and students both inside and outside the classroom.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.1%
- Retention Rate
- 80.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,175
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,383 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,272 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,213 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $28,212 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $25,774 |
Campus Life
The Benedictine campus sits on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, about an hour north of Kansas City. Students need winter coats for Kansas winters and can expect hot, humid summers. With housing for 1,628 students and total enrollment of 2,236, roughly 73% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
Ravens athletics dominate weekend life, with 919 total athletes competing across 15 varsity sports in NAIA competition. The school's Catholic identity shapes daily rhythms through chapel services and campus ministry programs. Students gather in the dining hall and participate in intramural sports when not cheering for the football or basketball teams. The small-town setting of Atchison means most social life happens on campus rather than venturing into town. With 50.09% women and 49.91% men, the gender balance creates natural social mixing. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the 80.44% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this traditional Catholic college environment.
Ravens athletics dominate weekend life, with 919 total athletes competing across 15 varsity sports in NAIA competition. The school's Catholic identity shapes daily rhythms through chapel services and campus ministry programs. Students gather in the dining hall and participate in intramural sports when not cheering for the football or basketball teams. The small-town setting of Atchison means most social life happens on campus rather than venturing into town. With 50.09% women and 49.91% men, the gender balance creates natural social mixing. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the 80.44% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this traditional Catholic college environment.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,628 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1971
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–36°F
- July Avg
- 69°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.8"
Student Demographics
Three-quarters of students come from outside Kansas, drawn by Benedictine's reputation as a Catholic liberal arts college with championship athletics. The student body splits evenly between men and women, reflecting balanced programs from business to education. About one in six students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. The 75% white enrollment is typical for Midwest Catholic institutions, while growing Hispanic representation mirrors regional demographics. Students choose Benedictine for its combination of faith-based learning, competitive sports, and tight-knit community atmosphere.
- Men
- 49.9%
- Women
- 50.1%
- White
- 75.0%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 13.1%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 24.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.2%
Location
Benedictine College sits in Atchison, Kansas, a small town about 55 miles northwest of Kansas City. The campus overlooks the Missouri River in this historic town of roughly 11,000 residents. Atchison offers a classic small-town college experience with tree-lined streets and 19th-century architecture. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and wooded bluffs typical of eastern Kansas. With 75% of students coming from out-of-state, many discover this quiet corner of the Great Plains for the first time. The town's compact size means students can easily walk to local shops and restaurants. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Benedictine College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Atchison, Kansas 66002-1499
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,175
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,317
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $261/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,599
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Benedictine College?
Benedictine College accepts 98.83% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. The average SAT score is 1235, reflecting the school's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds into its Catholic liberal arts community.
How much does Benedictine College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Benedictine College is $27,477 after aid, while the sticker price is $47,820 for tuition, room, and board. Students typically graduate with $24,599 in median debt, which is manageable given the school's strong job placement record.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Benedictine College?
Benedictine College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,236 total students. This Catholic institution emphasizes personalized attention within its liberal arts curriculum, helping students develop both intellectually and spiritually.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Benedictine College?
Benedictine College graduates have a 97.0% employment rate and earn a median salary of $53,175 ten years after graduation. The school's emphasis on character formation alongside academics appeals to employers seeking well-rounded candidates.
Where is Benedictine College located and what is campus life like?
Benedictine College sits in Atchison, Kansas, a small town setting that fosters close community bonds. With 1,628 students living on campus and an 80.44% retention rate, the school creates a traditional college experience centered on Catholic values.
How strong are athletics at Benedictine College?
Benedictine College fields 15 varsity sports with 919 total athletes competing in NAIA Division. The Ravens receive $5.3 million in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating the school's serious commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.
