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About Benedictine University Online

Students walking outside Benedictine University main campus

Exceptional Online Courses. Empowering Learning Experiences.

Benedictine University is committed to delivering high-quality curricula and experiences that facilitate success. As an online student, you’ll join a community of professionals ready to pursue their passions and change the world. Our instructional designers incorporate the latest learning technologies and content into each course to provide education that aligns with dynamic industry trends.

Students in BenU shirts in front of campus building

Why Choose Benedictine University Online?

Propelled by a spirit of innovation, we prepare our students to become active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders for a lifetime. Throughout your educational experience, you’ll benefit from personal attention and support while engaging in coursework that sets up professional success. Here, your classroom experience is just the beginning, as you’ll be a valued member of our community long after graduation.

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Accolades and Recognition

Benedictine University is proud of the numerous accolades we have received during our storied history. The following recognition reflects our commitment to the highest standards of educational quality, our mission as a Catholic university and, most of all, our students.

#10: Best Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs of 2025 by Intelligent.com1

#57: Best Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report2

#27: Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report2

#30: Top Performers for Mobility by U.S. News & World Report2

#201: Best Schools of Public Health by U.S. News & World Report3

Military Friendly® School4

Benedictine University Fast Facts

  • Established in 1887
  • 44,000+ alumni worldwide
  • 42 major programs
  • 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • 19 NCAA intercollegiate sport programs
  • 70% of our graduates are working or in graduate school

Accreditation and Approvals

C C N E Accredited

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Master's C E P H Accredited

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association

Illinois State Board of Education Approved 2025 Educator Preparation Program

Illinois State Board of Education

I B C C E S Certified Autism Center

International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

Military Friendly School 2025 - 2026 Silver

Military Friendly School

Post 9/11 G I Bill® It's Your Future Yellow Ribbon Program

Yellow Ribbon Program

The nursing programs at Benedictine University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Not displayed in slider: Higher Learning Commission

Our Vision and Education Hallmarks

Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We provide transformative and integrative educational experiences grounded in Benedictine values, helping students lead lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures and promote the common good.

Benedictine University cultivates virtues of intellect and character by embracing hallmarks of the Rule of St. Benedict:

Love of Christ and neighbor

Prayer

A life marked by liturgy, lectio and mindfulness

Stability

Commitment to the daily life of this place, its heritage and tradition

Conversation

The way of formation and transformation

Obedience

A commitment to listening and consequent action

Discipline

A way toward learning and freedom

Humility

Knowledge of self in relation to God, others and creation

Stewardship

Responsible use of creation, culture and the arts

Hospitality

Openness to the other

Community

Call to serve the common good

Joseph and Bess Kindlon hall of learning at Benedictine University

Our History and Mission

The monks of St. Procopius Abbey established the roots of Benedictine University in Illinois in 1887. They have been active sponsors of the institution throughout its history, first as St. Procopius College, later as Illinois Benedictine College and today as Benedictine University. The university cultivates virtues of intellect and character, encouraging people to engage ideas from many people, cultures and disciplines.

Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict.

Sources

  1. Intelligent.com. “Best Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs of 2025.” Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-degrees/accelerated-masters/.
  2. U.S. News & World Report. “Benedictine University Rankings.” Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/benedictine-university-1767/overall-rankings.
  3. U.S. News & World Report. “Best Public Health Schools.” Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/public-health-rankings.
  4. Military Friendly®. “Benedictine University.” Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.militaryfriendly.com/2024-2025-school-profile/benedictine-university-is-military-friendly/.