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Benedictine College

Atchison, KS

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Forward. Always Forward.

Wikipedia
1971
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
2,236
Total Students
2,404
Undergrad
132
Graduate
$35K
Tuition (In-State)
$35K
Tuition (Out-State)
$27K
Avg Net Price
76%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Stephen D. Minnis

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Benedictine College

Forward. Always Forward. Benedictine College: A rich history, a vibrant future.

Step into the inspiring legacy of Benedictine College, a private liberal arts institution where tradition meets a forward-looking spirit. With a vibrant community of 2,536 students and guided by the motto "Forward. Always Forward.," the college offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in the Benedictine values that have shaped its journey for over a century and a half.

The college's story began with two remarkable institutions: St. Benedict's College, founded in 1858 for men, and Mount St. Scholastica College, which evolved from St. Scholastica's Academy established in 1863 for women. Both colleges, named for St. Benedict of Nursia and his twin sister Scholastica, expanded over the decades, providing essential education—from classical studies for the priesthood to commerce subjects for pioneers and comprehensive liberal arts degrees. These separate but intertwined paths laid a deep foundation of academic excellence and spiritual formation.

The spirit of collaboration culminated on July 1, 1971, when these two esteemed colleges merged to form the Benedictine College we know today. This historic union brought together their rich traditions, diverse curricula, and shared commitment to holistic education, creating a stronger, co-educational environment. Building on this profound heritage, Benedictine College continues to empower students with a robust liberal arts education that fosters intellectual growth, personal development, and a lifelong commitment to service, preparing them for meaningful lives and careers in the modern world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1971, built upon collegiate roots tracing back to 1858.
  • A thriving private liberal arts college with a student body of 2,536.
  • Driven by its inspiring motto: "Forward. Always Forward."
  • Formed from the historic merger of two venerable Benedictine colleges, St. Benedict's and Mount St. Scholastica.
  • Celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008, honoring a rich, combined heritage.
  • Led by President Stephen D. Minnis since 2004, guiding its continued growth and success.

Timeline

1858
St. Benedict's College, a boarding school for men, was opened by Benedictine monks.
1863
Benedictine Sisters founded St. Scholastica's Academy for young women in Atchison.
1924
Mount St. Scholastica's Junior College was opened, offering tertiary education for women.
1927
St. Benedict's College became an accredited four-year liberal arts college.
1932
Mount St. Scholastica became a senior college, authorized to confer bachelor degrees.
1970
Alcuin Hemmen, president of St. Benedict's College, announced it would become co-educational.
1971
St. Benedict's College and Mount St. Scholastica College merged to form Benedictine College.
1989
Benedictine College terminated the lease of facilities from Mount St. Scholastica College.
2008
Benedictine College celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking its deep historical roots.
🏛️
55 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Stephen D. Minnis
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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