Overview of College of St. Benedict
The College of St. Benedict (CSB) is a private Catholic liberal arts college for women located in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Established in 1913, CSB is part of a unique educational partnership with Saint John’s University, a men’s college located nearby. Together, they form a coordinate relationship, sharing academic programs and resources while maintaining separate campuses. The College of St. Benedict has a rich history rooted in the Benedictine tradition, emphasizing academic excellence, community engagement, and the development of women leaders.
Founding and Benedictine Tradition: CSB was founded by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, a Catholic religious order with a strong commitment to education, hospitality, and service. The college’s establishment in 1913 marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment to providing women with a transformative liberal arts education within the context of the Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and lifelong learning.
Coordinate Relationship with Saint John’s University: CSB shares a unique coordinate relationship with Saint John’s University (SJU), a men’s college located nearby. While the two colleges maintain separate campuses and distinct student bodies, they operate under a single academic program and coordinate their curricular and co-curricular activities. This partnership provides students at both institutions with the benefits of a small, close-knit community while having access to a wider range of resources.
Academic Programs: CSB offers a range of undergraduate programs across disciplines such as arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, business, and education. The college’s curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, and a holistic approach to education. CSB is known for its commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and providing a strong foundation for a variety of career paths.
Community Engagement and Service: Reflecting its Benedictine values, CSB places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service. The college encourages students to actively participate in service-learning opportunities, volunteer work, and community service projects. This commitment to service aligns with the broader Benedictine tradition of hospitality and a dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Campus and Facilities: The CSB campus is located on the shores of Lake Sagatagan and offers a picturesque setting for learning and community life. The campus features modern facilities, including academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The Benedicta Arts Center is a central hub for the arts, providing students with opportunities for creative expression and cultural engagement.
Diversity and Inclusion: CSB is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college values the perspectives and contributions of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. Initiatives, programs, and support services are in place to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the campus.
Benedictine Values and Leadership Development: CSB emphasizes the development of women leaders within the context of Benedictine values. The college’s commitment to fostering leadership is reflected in its programs, mentorship opportunities, and co-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to explore their leadership potential and to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.
Global Perspectives: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, CSB encourages students to explore international opportunities, study abroad programs, and engage with global issues. These experiences contribute to students’ cultural awareness, broaden their horizons, and prepare them for a globally interconnected world.
Career Services: CSB’s Career Services plays a crucial role in supporting students’ career development. The office provides resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement, and job fairs. The college is dedicated to helping students transition successfully from academia to the professional world.
Sustainability Initiatives: CSB is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has implemented initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, promote conservation, and engage the campus community in sustainable practices.
Alumnae Network and Impact: CSB’s alumnae network plays a vital role in the college community. Graduates of CSB have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, healthcare, education, and the arts. The impact of CSB alumnae extends beyond their individual accomplishments, influencing the broader community and contributing to the college’s legacy.
The College of St. Benedict stands as an institution deeply rooted in the Benedictine tradition, providing women with a transformative liberal arts education and fostering leadership within a supportive community. With its coordinate relationship with Saint John’s University, CSB offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for a life of intellectual inquiry, service, and leadership in a global context.
37 S. College Avenue St. Joseph, MN 56374
Phone: (320) 363-2196
Email: admissions@csbsju.edu
Web site: http://www.csbsju.edu
Rankings: College of St. Benedict
Located in St. Joseph, MN, College of St. Benedict is one of the best universities in the state of Minnesota. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for College of St. Benedict in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is College of St. Benedict.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 80 |
| Score: | 55 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.0 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 50 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 89.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 84.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 75% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 9 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 142 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 49.0% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.1% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 12:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 93.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 77 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 23-28 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 41% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 75% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 75.1% |
| Financial resources rank: | 166 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 68 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 32.5% |
Essential Facts: College of St. Benedict
- In recent years, the College of Saint Benedict has gained national recognition for its programming in international education and the fine arts.
- In the most recent statistical year 2,003 prospective students applied, and 1,614 were granted admission.
- The college opened in 1913, with six students enrolled, and grew out of St. Benedict’s Academy, which was founded by Saint Benedict’s Monastery in 1889.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 80% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 97% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 46% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra |