Benedictine University: Non-Degree Seeking Students Welcome?

Benedictine University offers a range of academic programs and opportunities for students, including those seeking non-degree options. The university provides a flexible and inclusive environment for diverse learners. While the specific details of non-degree-seeking students are not explicitly mentioned, the university accommodates transfer students, international students, and special students. These pathways suggest that Benedictine University is open to non-traditional learners and can likely accommodate those who are not pursuing a degree. The best course of action for prospective non-degree-seeking students is to contact the university directly to discuss their specific situation and explore available options.

Application process and requirements

Benedictine College offers three application periods: Early Action, Regular Admission, and Rolling Admission. The Early Action period is for students who intend to apply during the first semester of their senior year and wish to receive an early admission decision and scholarship notification. The deadline for Early Action is November 15. Regular Admission offers a slightly later time frame with a deadline of December 1. Any application received after December 1 falls into the Rolling Admission cycle, which allows students to apply within a larger window of time and add seventh-semester grades to their admission record.

The application fee is $50, although it is waived for online applications. Applicants are required to submit official or unofficial test scores and high school transcripts. An official score report may be submitted directly from ACT (1444), SAT (6056), or CLT, or mailed or sent through a secure website. Self-reported test scores are also accepted.

For the high school transcript, applicants must submit an Official High School Transcript(s) showing a minimum of six semesters of grades from all secondary schools attended. Home-educated students must submit Official Transcripts from a primary educator. Benedictine College will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes, which can be emailed to ravenmail@benedictine.edu or to the applicant's admission counsellor.

Upon receipt of the application, application fee, all official transcripts, and an ACT, CLT, or SAT score report, the applicant will be notified of their admission status within two weeks.

Test Optional Application Plan

Benedictine College also offers a test-optional application plan, where the highest grade point average on the high school transcript is used to determine acceptance. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above will be eligible to apply as a test-optional candidate, while those with a GPA of 2.99 or below will be required to interview with an Admissions Officer.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are treated on the same equitable basis as all enrolled students, and the college will provide an evaluation of previous studies and the necessary counselling for academic progress. Transfer students may be offered admission for either the fall or spring semester.

Students may transfer a maximum of 64 credit hours from a two-year college towards a bachelor's degree, and the final two semesters (30 credit hours) must be completed at Benedictine College. A maximum of 98 hours will be accepted in total, with 64 hours from two-year colleges and the rest from four-year colleges/universities.

To be considered for admission, transfer candidates must submit the following documents:

• A completed application for undergraduate admission for transfer candidates
• A $50 non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities where credit has been earned
• If the student has fewer than 24 transfer hours, an official report of scores earned on the ACT, CLT, or SAT, and an official high school transcript are also required

To be admitted on a regular basis, transfer students must meet the following criteria:

• Possess an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 in all college-level work
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the institution from which they are transferring, defined as successfully completing a minimum of 12 academic hours each semester with at least a 2.0 grade point average

Academic regulations and procedures

The academic year at Benedictine College is divided into two semesters of approximately 15 weeks, followed by an optional summer session. Most summer undergraduate classes are offered online.

Undergraduate Admission

Benedictine College offers three application periods: Early Action, Regular Admission, and Rolling Admission. The college admits qualified students of any religion, race, colour, national and ethnic origin, and of either sex.

Application Plans

The standard application plan requires prospective students to submit a completed application, a $50 non-refundable application fee (waived for online applications), and an ACT, CLT, or SAT score report. The college will accept self-reported test scores and unofficial transcripts for admission purposes, but official score reports and transcripts will be required prior to the entry term.

The test-optional application plan does not require test scores. Applicants with a GPA above 3.0 will be eligible, and those with a GPA of 2.99 or below may be required to interview with an Admissions Officer.

First-Year Application Periods

The Early Action period is for students with a strong interest in attending Benedictine College, who believe they can present a complete application during the first semester of their senior year. The deadline is November 15.

The Regular Admission deadline is December 1.

Any application received after December 1 falls into the Rolling Admission cycle, which allows students to apply within a larger window of time and add seventh-semester grades to their admission record.

Admission Policies

Admission to undergraduate standing is based on an applicant's academic record, evidence of the ability to do college work, character, and interest in the mission of the College.

Transfer Admission and Degree Completion

Benedictine College facilitates the entry of transfer students and treats them on the same equitable basis as all enrolled students. Transfer students may be offered admission for either the fall or spring semester.

A maximum of 64 credit hours can be transferred from a two-year college towards a bachelor's degree, and the final two semesters (30 credit hours) must be completed at Benedictine College.

Academic Honesty

Benedictine College endorses the principles of academic honesty and expects students to behave in a manner consistent with the values of the College. Academic misconduct includes cheating, plagiarising, failing to document sources, turning in work prepared by another source, and gaining or giving unauthorised access to assessment materials.

Grading

Benedictine College uses the credit hour system to measure progress and honour points to measure the quality of work. Letter grades are given for each course and converted into a point system for determining grade-point averages.

Course Load

The normal course load is 15 to 18 credit hours each semester for undergraduates, enabling students to graduate after eight semesters. Students wishing to take more than 18 credit hours must secure permission from the Registrar or Assistant Registrar and will be charged an additional per credit hour tuition overload fee.

Auditing Courses

Undergraduate students auditing a course will not receive credit and must pay a reduced tuition fee. They can switch from credit to audit or vice versa within the first ten weeks of the semester if the instructor approves.

Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal

Any student whose semester GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation or issued a letter of warning. Freshmen and sophomores whose cumulative GPA falls below a certain threshold will be dismissed. Students can appeal dismissal, and the decision will be at the discretion of the Dean of the College.

Study at Other Colleges and Universities

Students are urged to consult their academic advisor about courses taken at other colleges or universities, especially if they want to apply the course towards their major or minor. A grade of 'C-' or better is required to transfer a course, and credits earned will not be included in the student's GPA calculation.

Transcript of Credits

Transcripts of a student's academic record will only be issued upon written request signed by the student. The College has authorised the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering online.

International Students

Benedictine College has been the choice of many international students and offers special academic and cultural programs to enhance their initial adjustment. International applicants must provide a financial statement showing sufficient funds to cover the cost of at least one year of study.

Special Student Status

A special student is defined as "one who has not been admitted to a degree program, as distinct from a freshman, sophomore, etc., who has been fully accepted into such a program." High school students who wish to take individual courses at Benedictine College may be admitted as special students with the consent of the Registrar.

Transfer students

Benedictine University welcomes transfer students, with 10.93% of its student body made up of transfers. The university offers a streamlined transfer process to help students finish their degrees as quickly as possible.

To apply as a transfer student, you must submit the following:

• High School Transcript
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Standardized Test Scores
• Statement of Good Standing from Prior Institution
• Minimum of 12 credits

Additionally, you must meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement of 2.0 for full-time admission.

If you have less than 24 college-level credits, you are required to submit official transcripts from every school attended, as well as your official ACT/SAT score report and a complete official high school transcript with the date of graduation.

Benedictine University is part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), which allows for the transfer of credits from previous institutions. The university will evaluate your transcripts to determine how your completed courses will be accepted and applied towards your chosen major.

For transfer students, there are specific general education requirements that must be met. These include:

• Speech Communication
• Interdisciplinary Seminars
• Distribution Requirements
• Writing Intensive (WI) Courses
• Co-curricular Requirements
• Global and Sustainability Courses
• Learning Community/Engaged Learning

The university offers a range of academic programs and encourages students to supplement their major with appropriate minors or emphases. Transfer students can also take advantage of the flexible degree programs to customize their path to graduation.

With a vibrant and diverse community, Benedictine University provides a supportive environment for transfer students to continue their educational journey.

International students

Benedictine University offers a range of programs for international students, including undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and on-campus options.

International Undergraduate Admissions

• Application materials
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Overseas credentials evaluated by Educational Perspectives (EP), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES)

International Graduate Admissions

For international graduate admissions, students must submit:

• Application materials
• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Overseas credentials evaluated by ECE, WES, or EP
• Graduate entrance exam scores

International Student Support

Benedictine University offers a range of support services for international students, including:

• Academic advising and career counselling
• Short-term study and exchange programs with institutions around the globe
• Scholarships for international undergraduate students, with awards of up to $20,000
• A dedicated in-country manager for students from South Asia, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh

International Online Programs

Benedictine University also offers fully online degree programs for international students, with no visa requirements. These programs provide opportunities for networking and connecting with students and graduates from all 50 U.S. states and over 16 countries.

Special student status

An applicant who wants to attend classes without following a prescribed course of study or becoming a degree candidate may be admitted with the consent of the Registrar upon payment of an application fee. Special students are expected to follow the usual conventions of class attendance. If a special student later desires to apply the credits earned toward a degree, they must adhere to the conditions set by the Admission Committee and/or the Senior Vice Provost.

At present, a special student is defined as: "A special student is one who has not been admitted to a degree program, as distinct from a freshman, sophomore, etc., who has been fully accepted into such a program."

High school juniors, seniors, or home-schooled high school students who wish to take individual courses at Benedictine College may be admitted as special students. Admission will typically be granted only to students who have sixteen academic units in academic/core studies or their equivalent at the high school level, plus an above-average academic and achievement record. Normally, high school students must be at least 15 years of age before requesting to take any college classes on campus.

Frequently asked questions