Acceptance Rate
92%
Avg. SAT
1233
75th percentile
“Women's liberal arts college amid Minnesota woods, sharing classes and campus shuttles with neighboring Saint John's University.”
Saint Joseph, MN
Location
Midsize Suburb
Campus Setting
College of Saint Benedict traces its roots to 1913, when Benedictine nuns established an all-women's liberal arts college in rural central Minnesota. Students who thrive here often seek close-knit communities, personal faculty attention, and a focus on leadership and service, drawn to its Catholic Benedictine values of community and stewardship. The campus personality blends intellectual curiosity with outdoor adventure, set against lakes and forests that encourage hiking and reflection. St. Joseph offers a quiet suburb feel near St. Cloud, with easy drives to Minneapolis, though the remote setting means limited urban nightlife. Winters bring heavy snow and cold, a tradeoff for the serene natural surroundings.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms emphasize discussion and mentorship, thanks to an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that lets professors know students by name. Standout programs include nursing, education, and environmental science, with opportunities to cross-register at Saint John's University for broader course options like forestry or theology. You'll shuttle between campuses for classes, experiencing a mix of single-sex and co-ed learning environments. Introductory courses stay small, avoiding massive lectures common at larger schools. Still, popular majors like nursing fill quickly, requiring solid grades to switch in.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,391 undergrad • 38 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
79%
Black / African American
3%
Hispanic / Latino
10%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
5%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Saint Joseph, MN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls where most students live all four years, fostering bonds through hall events and shared meals. Weekends mix study sessions, club meetings, and shuttle trips to Saint John's for dances or games, creating a balanced social scene without intense partying. Traditions include the annual Christmas liturgy and outdoor pursuits like kayaking on nearby lakes. The vibe feels supportive and low-pressure, ideal for focused students. Harsh Minnesota winters limit outdoor time from November to March, pushing activities indoors.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$16,906
$30K – $48K
$18,987
$48K – $75K
$20,110
$75K – $110K
$25,493
$110K+
$32,605
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
86%
4 Years Graduation Rate
77%
6 Years Graduation Rate
81%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,260
86% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at College of Saint Benedict and return in the fall. 77% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 81% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
77%
4-6 years
4%
Non-grad
19%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$50,950
Acceptance
92%
Undergrads
1,391
4-Year Grad Rate
77%
Endowment
$120M
Saint Joseph, MN 56374