Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Atchison, Kansas
76.5% Acceptance Rate
Benedictine College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
76.5%Acceptance Rate
3.57Avg GPA
1244Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$50,820Annual Cost
$53,175Grad Salary
16.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
76.5%
Avg GPA
3.57
Avg SAT
1244
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1117–1310
ACT Middle 50%
22–29
Need-Based Aid
16.2% receive Pell
Benedictine College is a private, Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts institution in Kansas known for its commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and community. With a campus that fosters a strong sense of tradition and intellectual rigor, the college prepares students for successful careers while nurturing their spiritual and personal growth. Its emphasis on a "community of faith and scholarship" makes it a meaningful and formative choice for those seeking a values-centered education.
Benedictine College Acceptance Rate
Benedictine College runs an open-access admission policy. With a 76.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 76.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.12
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Benedictine College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Benedictine College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 83 days left — Early Action
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Benedictine College reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Early Action
November 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Competitive scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Benedictine College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Benedictine College is 3.57. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.27 and 3.57? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.77–3.97.Benedictine College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.17 – 3.36
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.16
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-optional: 3.0+ GPA needs no test scores, but all test-optional applicants - regardless of GPA - must complete an interview with Admission staff.
- Accepts the CLT (Classic Learning Test) alongside ACT/SAT, reflecting its classical/Catholic-college positioning; only the highest single composite is used, no superscoring.
- The largest merit scholarships (Presidential/Dean's Scholars) are awarded through a live, on-campus essay-and-interview competition, separate from general admission.
- Do not confuse with Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois - a separate institution with its own application and Scholars Program.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Benedictine College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Benedictine College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Benedictine College Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Benedictine College is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Benedictine College Without SAT or ACT?
Benedictine College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Benedictine College Average SAT Score: 1244
The average SAT score of admitted students at Benedictine College is 1244 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1244 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1310 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Benedictine College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1117, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Benedictine College. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 604 | 557 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1244 | 1117 | 1310 |
Below 1117, you're behind most admitted students; at 1310 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Benedictine College with a 1300 SAT?
A 1300 SAT puts you ahead of most of Benedictine College's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Benedictine College ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Benedictine College is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 28 |
| ACT English | 26 | 21 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 22 | 29 |
Can I get into Benedictine College with a 29 ACT?
A 29 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Benedictine College's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Benedictine College.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Benedictine College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Benedictine College takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Choose the Application Track Deliberately
The Standard track requires an ACT, SAT, or CLT score (highest single composite accepted - Benedictine does not superscore). The Test-Optional track is open to any GPA, but every test-optional applicant, regardless of GPA tier, is required to complete an interview with Admission staff. Students skipping testing should prepare for that interview as seriously as an essay - it functions as this application's only written/oral evaluation component.
Target Gregorian Fellows With Video, Not a Written Essay
This 25-student leadership cohort asks for a leadership resume plus short video responses (1 minute max per question) instead of standard essays. Treat it like a mini interview reel - camera presence and concision matter as much as content. Eligibility runs on a sliding GPA/test-score scale, so borderline students shouldn't self-select out; a strong leadership resume can carry an application even outside the standard 3.2 GPA / 27 ACT benchmark.
Apply to Sheridan Honors Institute Early and Separately
The application, which includes required essays, is due December 15 for the following fall - well ahead of general admission deadlines. This Great Books/classical curriculum add-on is not automatic from general admission, so students need to draft and polish the essay portion on a much earlier timeline than their main application.
Prepare for the In-Person Presidential Scholarship Weekend
The college's largest merit competition (15 Presidential/Dean's Scholar awards) is decided through a live, on-campus essay - three to five prompts, one hour, handwritten in a bluebook - plus a 20-minute interview with two Benedictine community members. Students should practice concise, structured handwritten essays under time pressure, not polished take-home drafts, since this is fundamentally a live testing event, not a submitted application.
Expert Insight:
This is a Newman Guide?recommended, doctrinally traditional Catholic college - theology coursework is aligned with the Church's magisterium and campus culture is explicitly conservative. Students or families uncertain about that religious and cultural fit should visit or talk to current students before applying; this identity is a defining, non-negotiable feature of the institution, not a peripheral detail.
Benedictine College Profile
Full Name
Benedictine College
City
Atchison
State
Kansas
ZIP Code
66002-1499
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Benedictine College Degree Worth It?
Benedictine College offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $64,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.96%.
How much does a degree from Benedictine College Cost?
The sticker price is $50,820/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
16.2% of students receive a Pell Grant and 63% take federal loans at Benedictine College. File your FAFSA early and list Benedictine College as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Benedictine College Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $53,175. That's about 31% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Benedictine College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Benedictine College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 1237 | 28 |
| DePaul University | Chicago, IL | 1254 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Benedictine College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Benedictine College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Benedictine College Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Benedictine College run about $53,175 a year.
At about $50,820 a year, Benedictine College's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
Benedictine College's Pell Grant rate of 16.2% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 76.5%, Benedictine College's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Benedictine College average a 3.57 GPA.
Benedictine College doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.27 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.17, Benedictine College becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Benedictine College — aim above 1244, ideally within the 1117–1310 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Benedictine College is November 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2025/12/01 (Competitive scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.