About College of Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict operates as an all-women's college that partners closely with Saint John's University to create a unique coordinate education experience. This liberal arts institution enrolls 1,392 students in a midsize suburban Minnesota setting. The college maintains its Catholic identity while offering the academic and social benefits of both single-sex and coeducational environments through its partnership with the nearby men's college.
The financial picture tells a story of significant aid and strong outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $28,065 after aid, well below the $53,884 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $63,260 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $26,944 quite manageable. With monthly loan payments averaging $286 and a loan repayment rate of 89.78%, the investment appears worthwhile for most students.
Saint Benedict draws heavily from Minnesota, with 85% of students coming from in-state. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships that help explain the strong 80.72% four-year graduation rate. The 87% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the college maintains academic standards with average SAT scores of 1150. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 96.5% employment rate reflecting the value employers place on the coordinate education model.
The financial picture tells a story of significant aid and strong outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $28,065 after aid, well below the $53,884 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $63,260 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $26,944 quite manageable. With monthly loan payments averaging $286 and a loan repayment rate of 89.78%, the investment appears worthwhile for most students.
Saint Benedict draws heavily from Minnesota, with 85% of students coming from in-state. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships that help explain the strong 80.72% four-year graduation rate. The 87% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the college maintains academic standards with average SAT scores of 1150. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 96.5% employment rate reflecting the value employers place on the coordinate education model.
Academics & Faculty
College of Saint Benedict operates as a Catholic liberal arts college exclusively for women, providing intimate classroom experiences with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The college's coordinate relationship with nearby Saint John's University allows students to take classes at both institutions while maintaining their single-gender campus environment. Students graduate at strong rates, with 83% earning degrees within six years. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills across disciplines rather than pre-professional training. CSB is particularly known for its theology, psychology, and education programs. The small class sizes mean professors know students personally and can provide mentorship throughout their academic journey. Most students benefit from this personalized attention in their coursework.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.0%
- Retention Rate
- 88.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,260
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,607 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Bachelor | $38,906 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,298 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $31,127 |
Campus Life
The all-women's campus sits in central Minnesota, about 90 minutes northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. With housing capacity for 1,638 students and total enrollment of 1,392, nearly all students live on campus in a tight-knit residential community. Winter gear is essential here, where snow typically covers the ground from December through March and temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Students cross-register freely with nearby Saint John's University, creating a unique coordinate education system where you attend classes with both all-women and co-ed groups. The 87.96% retention rate reflects strong campus bonds formed through traditions like the annual Festival of Cultures and collaborative academic projects. Weekends often involve outdoor activities when weather permits, campus events, or trips to nearby Saint Cloud for shopping and dining. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, contributing to the supportive atmosphere that helps 80.72% graduate in four years. The coordinate relationship with Saint John's provides social opportunities while maintaining the distinctive all-women's college experience during daily campus life.
Students cross-register freely with nearby Saint John's University, creating a unique coordinate education system where you attend classes with both all-women and co-ed groups. The 87.96% retention rate reflects strong campus bonds formed through traditions like the annual Festival of Cultures and collaborative academic projects. Weekends often involve outdoor activities when weather permits, campus events, or trips to nearby Saint Cloud for shopping and dining. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, contributing to the supportive atmosphere that helps 80.72% graduate in four years. The coordinate relationship with Saint John's provides social opportunities while maintaining the distinctive all-women's college experience during daily campus life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,638 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–22°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 53.7"
Student Demographics
Students at this all-women's Catholic liberal arts college come primarily from Minnesota, with 85% hailing from in-state. The student body reflects strong local and regional appeal rather than national recruitment. Nearly one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families alongside more affluent ones. The demographic makeup is predominantly white at 79%, with growing Hispanic representation at 10%. Students choose Saint Benedict for its coordinate relationship with nearby Saint John's University, creating a unique single-sex education within a broader coed academic community.
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 79.4%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.0%
- Asian
- 3.2%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.7%
Location
Saint Joseph sits in central Minnesota, about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The suburban setting houses 1,392 students in a classic college town atmosphere. Central Minnesota's rolling hills and lakes create a quintessential Midwest campus environment. The coordinate relationship with nearby Saint John's University means students experience a larger academic community while maintaining the intimate feel of a small liberal arts college. With 85% of students coming from in-state, the campus reflects Minnesota's strong sense of community. The semester calendar aligns well with Minnesota's distinct seasons. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare College of Saint Benedict with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Joseph, Minnesota 56374
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,260
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,000
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 89.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,944
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of Saint Benedict?
College of Saint Benedict accepts 87.80% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1150. This all-women's Catholic liberal arts college maintains selective but accessible admissions standards for students seeking a coordinate education experience with nearby Saint John's University.
How much does College of Saint Benedict cost after financial aid?
The average net price at College of Saint Benedict is $28,065, lower than the total cost of $67,044. Students from families earning less than $30,000 pay an average of just $14,326 after aid, while those receiving institutional grants get an average of $35,824.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Saint Benedict?
College of Saint Benedict maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,392 enrolled students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in a traditional Catholic educational setting.
What are the career outcomes for College of Saint Benedict graduates?
College of Saint Benedict graduates earn a median salary of $63,260 ten years after graduation with an impressive 96.5% employment rate. The strong alumni network and liberal arts foundation prepare women for leadership roles across diverse fields.
Where do College of Saint Benedict students live on campus?
College of Saint Benedict has housing capacity for 1,638 students, more than its current enrollment of 1,392. The residential campus in Saint Joseph, Minnesota fosters a tight-knit community where 85% of students come from in-state.
Is College of Saint Benedict really an all-women's school?
Yes, College of Saint Benedict enrolls 100% women and has maintained its single-gender identity since 1913. Students take classes alongside men from Saint John's University through their unique coordinate relationship, combining the benefits of single-sex education with coeducational academics.
