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Key facts
- TypePrivate
- International students21
- Nationalities20
- Total programs2
- University rankingNot ranked
Study abroad at Benedictine University
Benedictine University is a private, Catholic institution founded in 1887. The main campus is located in Lisle, Illinois, with a second campus in Mesa, Arizona.
International students can choose from a wide variety of academic paths, including 42 undergraduate majors, 17 graduate programs, and 3 doctoral degrees. The university is particularly well-known for its Goodwin College of Business and its College of Science and Health.
The campus facilities are modern and designed to help you succeed. The Michael and Kay Birck Hall of Science features over 34 high-tech laboratories and the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum. If you need a place to study or collaborate, Kindlon Hall houses the University Library, which offers over 200,000 books and comfortable group study rooms. For those who enjoy staying active, the Dan and Ada Rice Center is the hub for indoor sports and fitness, providing plenty of space for exercise and recreation.

Why study at Benedictine University
Safe campus environment
You can focus on your studies with peace of mind. Benedictine has been ranked as the safest campus in Illinois and the second-safest in the entire United States, offering a secure and peaceful environment
Graduate opportunities
The university is ranked among the top 10 colleges in Illinois for "Return on Investment," meaning graduates often secure well-paying jobs quickly after finishing their studies
Personalized learning
With an average class size of only 17 students, you will receive personalized attention and mentorship from your professors, which is very helpful for students adjusting to a new country
Great location
You can live and study in a quiet, safe suburb while being only 25 miles (40 km) from Chicago, providing easy access to world-class internships and cultural experiences
Location
Benedictine University
5700 College Road, Illinois
Benedictine University is located in the heart of Chicago’s western suburbs in the quaint village of Lisle, Illinois. Known as "The Arboretum Village," Lisle is famous for its beautiful green spaces and walking trails. The campus is close to a variety of boutique shops and dining options, giving you a friendly, small-town feel. When you want to explore the big city, a short train ride takes you directly into downtown Chicago, where you can visit world-famous museums, parks, and global business headquarters.

Programs
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Fees and funding
Fee
- Postgraduate tuition
$9,600 USD per year

What is the cost of living near Benedictine University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $1,652 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $1,349 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $214 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $73 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $61 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $65 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $350 |
| Coffee shop drink | $5 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $15 |
| Gym membership | $45 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).
Visa requirements for Benedictine University
Students will need to apply for a F-1 student visa when applying to Benedictine University. Individuals already in the USA must also include copies of their visa, most recent I-20, and I-94
Life at Benedictine University
Benedictine University is home to a diverse community that represents over 15 different countries. While international students make up about 1% of the student body, this small size allows for deep immersion into American culture. The university is "intentionally interfaith," providing dedicated spaces like Interfaith Prayer Rooms to support students of all faiths, including Muslim and Hindu students. This diversity creates a rich environment where you can learn about different perspectives every day.
Student life is very active, with over 60 student-run organizations to join. For international students, groups like the South Asian Student Association (SASA), the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and the Hindu Student Association (HSA) offer a sense of community. If you enjoy sports, you can join the "Eagles" (in Illinois) or "Redhawks" (in Arizona) athletic teams. The university offers everything from soccer and basketball to a growing eSports program for those interested in competitive gaming.
To help you adjust, the Office of International Programs and Services (IPS) provides dedicated support. They help with everything from your F-1 student visa to "Ben Beginnings," a special orientation program that introduces you to campus life.
Living on campus is a great way to make friends quickly. You can choose to live in traditional residence halls like Ondrak Hall or more independent apartment-style housing in Founders' Woods. For your meals, "BenUeats" offers several dining options, including "Bennys" and "The Pub." The dining services are very flexible and can accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or Halal requirements, ensuring you feel at home during your stay.


