I graduated from Benedictine from both the Bachelor in Criminal Justice and Master in Business Administration programs and I enjoyed both the education I received and the overall experience during my six years here. Benedictine is comparable to other smaller Division III schools in the area (e.g. Elmhurst). Class sizes are extremely small (approximately 20-40 students per class), so learning is much more personalized compared to sitting in a larger school with 100+ students in class. With that being said, it's much easier to get to know the professors individually and work with them during office hours when you need help or want to chat. Likewise, there are many opportunities for you to become involved with your peers as they have many different student organizations on campus. I met some great people at this school, and for that, I am very thankful. More importantly, I felt the curriculum was solid. If I had to repeat my time here, however, i would likely have changed my major to Political Science, Business, or something science-related as I believe that Ben U excels in these three areas. The issue of with the criminal justice program here was that it was mostly theoretical. For those students who want to go into law enforcement and law, there should be more application based classes. One drawback of this campus, however, was that it felt very dated. During my time undergraduate program, however, the University was undergoing a huge construction project to build the Goodwin Hall of Business. This building would be where I spent my final two years in the MBA program, and I must say, that building is exceptional. Ben U's developmental plan, #BenU2020, never came to fruition with most of it being stalled due to financial concerns. This leads me to my critiques of the campus. First, it's apparent that the University is not fiscally responsible. The fact that this is primarily a commuter school does not help whatsoever with the goal of increasing enrollment. The way to increase enrollment is to make this primary a resident school! Many students flock to other comparable Illinois educational institutions because they want the true college experience. Why can't they have it here, considering downtown Naperville is minutes away? Students would rather go to North Central than here simply because of the location! If Ben U made it more appealing to live on campus with an increased number of freshly renovated dorms, increased entertainment experiences on campus, and more parking, more students would gladly come there! Unfortunately, minimizing the number of programs will do more harm than good in the long run - you need a diverse range of educational programs or they will go elsewhere. When I was in my Master's program, I couldn't believe they got rid of the MIS program - the industry is hiring in bulk! Alternatively, offer more certificates for MBA grads! Second, parking was atrocious anytime of the day. Considering you parking was an issue for all types of students, it means one thing - build more parking. Third, interactions with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and the Registrar departments were less than stellar. There was always an issue and nothing was ever resolved timely. I had to wait months just to receive my final transcript from my master's program. That is simply unacceptable. There should be no excuse that you are months behind. If you are that behind, hire more help or reform the departments. Lastly, there were small, yet random-things I would say need to be changed. I thought the library hours could have been expanded, especially closer to finals. I can't speak for how it was the last couple of years, but during undergraduate I didn't think they were satisfactory. Also, a real Starbucks franchise was great to have, but even it didn't last more than a year. Considering the campus needs an overhaul, this was a bad thing to lose. Also, the eradication of the tennis team was unfortunate - I would have loved to play. In short, I would gladly recommend this university to any of my peers looking to further their education in a small, faith-based, values-driven school. I just hope that the administration finds a better way of increasing enrollment - I want to see students have a great experience here in the future. read more

While I enjoyed many of my professors and courses in grad school there (I am a Dual MPH and MBA program graduate) it's clear to me that the university does not care about students and only cares about making money. I received a letter a few months ago, indicating that there was a balance of several thousand dollars on my student account. I graduated over a year prior and my account was in good standing. I had no balance in several months after it showed no balance. I no longer had access to my Benedictine school email after graduation, but apparently I received notifications that I had a balance on my account somehow. I then get surprised with a letter over year later that the account will be sent collections if they didn't receive the thousands of dollars within 30 days of receiving the letter. Luckily, I got mailed the letter and actually got it In time but they didn't reach out at all prior to that or to my email only an old student account. Because I have been undergoing extreme medical expenses and hardship I requested a hardship review which they refused there was no leniency on the amount which they had full discretion to lower. Just kept demanding it and that it could be sent to collections. So I had to pay them... they obviously do not care about people and just want their money. read more

I joined the co-op 3+1 program from College of DuPage as a continuation onto my Business Management Degree. When I called to sign up, I had a SALESMAN (Walter Moore) call me back who set me up with an advisor, never telling me that they never intended on setting me up on the 3+1. After meeting with my assigned advisor, I was confused, as many of my courses were not transferable from COD. I inquired, and was told that COD's classes didn't qualify, but he never told me that I wasn't part of the 3+1 program. I even stated that the required courses he was showing me was not in line with finishing the program in the amount of time that I should. He said that I could, if I took an aggressive schedule. I was taking two courses per semester, as assigned by my advisor, comfortably. Then, Covid hit, as well as my mother became ill. I was completing my assignments, as assigned. Until, during one semester, he assigned me to another class. This was one too many as my work increased and my mother required more care. I told my advisor that I couldn't take 3 classes. He encouraged me to try and I continued to tell him that I could not...until, I could not dropout. I tried to call my advisor and Mr. Moore only to find that they both no longer worked at Benedictine. I was given a replacement advisor who assisted me in dropping my failed grade from the class I couldn't take, but would not give me a refund, until I could prove my work was more difficult and my mother actually needed more care with her cancer. I was told that I needed to pay for the class before continuing my curriculum. It was then that I checked the COD website to find that Benedictine and the 3+1 program had been dropped. I spoke to the advisor at COD who told me that they have received other complaints. Apparently, Benedictine had no intentions of being part of the 3+1 program. I was never informed that the program did not exist, not that I was never part of it. Now, I have creditors calling, threatening me. I have no intentions on paying, and I have no clue how to get my degree that I was made to believe, I was earning. read more

I applied here for the 3+1 program from COD. I got accepted and started doing my remaining courses to transfer. I got a call from Matthew about financial aid and he said I could enroll directly with Benedictine instead of doing the 3+1 program. I asked for more information about it but never heard back. MONTHS after this, I got an email saying they're taking my tuition out from my bank on file instead of processing my financial aid. Turns out HICELA enrolled me in the direct program so since I wasn't considered part of the program I signed up for my financial aid wasn't covering any of it. I STILL haven't heard from her after two weeks and she certainly did not correct the problem. Thankfully I found out who her manager was and had him fix this issue with only LESS THEN A WEEK left before the deadline. I was almost out $1000 for SUMMER classes because of Hicela and her not doing her job and blatantly ignoring me. I would not advise working with her. She puts on a bad rep for Benedictine. Just because of this- I withdrew myself from their programs and will continue my education elsewhere. read more

i wish i can rate 0. Never recommend anyone to go to this school. Office never ansver phone. Last minute canceling class, mostly online.HORIBLE, please avoid this university. read more

How did I finish paying off a class in May, just for my account to be charged again in August. They thankfully caught the mistake but told me it would be refunded in a week! Here we are on week 2 and I still haven't received a refund. They said they're sending it via mail. I don't live In the same state so by the time they cut the check and mail it, I'll be going on week 3. I never gave them permission to run my card yet they did and now they can't even refund it the same way they withdrew it. And then apparently there's only ONE person that can do refunds. Why isn't person who ran the card also trained to do refunds. I contacted the supervisor and she didn't even know of the problem apparently. Had she, she might have been able to refund my money sooner. She said they can void transactions the same day it was ran, why that wasn't done (considering they sent me an email the same day it happened) I have no clue. But this is unprofessional to say the least read more

WARNING!! I would NEVER recommend anyone to go to this school. The staff is HORRIBLE. I have never encountered a staff so unhelpful and with so much lack of compassion and I pay them to help me. I promise you they are just trying to take your money and once they get you to go here, they stop being nice and stop helping you with any problems you have. All they want is your money. Please choose somewhere else. read more

If you want to relive the Suburban High School that you went to, attend here. Be careful when discussing majors with your counselor they will tell you anything you want to hear to get you enrolled in a program, I know from experience. If you are double majoring or minoring, check with each teacher if classes that you need are listed at the same times - my senior thesis wound up only meeting Wed and I could have taken the neccessary teaching course to graduate, but no-one informed me about getting a manual override to register for both - they try to suck you into another full year. Also beware of the financial aid dept, there is a certain blonde with a chip on her shoulder that will make you life a living hell, and doesn't understand that IL is a right to work state. read more

I am a class of '93 graduate and enjoyed my time at Benedictine. The campus has changed over the years, for the better and worse, all at the same time. I miss old Ben Hall, but it was old, out of date and would have cost an inordinate amount to renovate and upgrade. Logically, I get it, but emotionally I still miss its' quirks and history. That all being said, the new buildings are very vice and from what I can see from my recent visits to campus, the staff still cares about the students here. read more

Great school! Love the engage online learning system and the instructors were well versed and able to help in their field. I finished my MBA in 1 year! read more

I am puzzled at the one-star reviews here. This school is a gem. Small campus feel with big campus facilities. The business school is only 18 months old and is a state-of-the-art facility. 17-1 student to teacher ratio with no teaching assistants in the classroom providing instruction. You learn from real professors. The close proximity of the university to Chicago means students have internship opportunities with some of the leading corporations in the world. read more

There are some good and bad things about this university! Which is in every college/university but in my experience you can have some teachers who don't have any office hours and no teachers assistant and if you have a question they won't answer it. One of the science professors tells you something and doesn't follow through! Like I would not tell you to turn in a paper that you aren't sure of and even if I did I would be leanette about something going wrong! And would explain and have you redo the assignment! FOR GOD SAKE THIS IS A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY. If this was a public university it would be different. Yes, this university is a great university but if the professor does not like you well you can't do anything about it. Also some of the science professors should be open to new ideas because some of them are from different parts of the country and think differently! Be careful with your money if you are going to a private university and don't get the help you need what's the point? read more

I enrolled in one of the online degree programs. Be warned! The program advising is horrible! First of all there is a high turnover rate, so the people "guiding" you will change. I've had at least 3 Student Service Coordinators in less than 2 years. Also the a Student Service Coordinators and Financial Aide are never coordinated. You will mistakenly receive bills and financial aide will be delayed (on campus), causing you to not be able to enroll in courses you need. I remember sending multiple emails about my missing financial aide, only to be told that the Benedictine financial aide office had yet to apply my aide, even thought they already had the money. To top it all off, months after being told you are finished with coursework, a new Coordinator will tell you that you need to take another course. This happened to me after I was told repeatedly that I was finished with coursework and financial aide put me into the repayment phase. Enrolling here was a huge, costly mistake. I do not believe that this school has the best interest of students in mind. For the most part, the instructors have been good, but the administrative side leaves much to be desired. ETA: Worst advising ever! read more

I went to Benedictine University for my MPH because they were one of few universities offering that program. I enjoyed my courses and professors. My only trouble came when I had completed my studies and practicum. The Director of the Practicum evidently lost papers I had sent in and told me "I could not graduate unless I turn in those papers." I reached out to a higher administrator. I received my degree in MPH. Years later I enrolled in their MSN program. I would be graduating this year but I was unsuccessful in finding a practicum site and one site that offered me the opportunity to perform my practicum with them, never responded to my inquiries after our first conversation. Now, because I didn't do a practicum in a healthcare facility contracted with Benedictine but I have completed all my courses, I cannot get my MSN degree. Recruiters need to let future students know where practicum sites are located. read more

I was told my adviser would be much better compared to COD, and I was okay with COD, since I knew how to manage my classes there, and I knew the right classes to take to transfer to another university. I had two advisers during my time at Benedictine University throughout my years, and none of them could figure out how to transfer AP credits for years until finally my last year being there. Also, my first adviser wants me to take classes I necessarily did not need for my major such a stupid biology laboratory for transfer students, which that class ended up getting dropped anyway in the semester I was enrolled. They messed up my transcript as well, and I still laugh about to this day. My current adviser does not respond to my emails unless it's related to signing up for classes. If it's for her class, she never responds to any of my emails regarding for her laboratory or lecture courses. Some of the teachers are a hit or a miss. There are some exceptional teachers that teach well and respond well to their emails, such as Dr. Andrew Wig and Dr. Rubush. Recently, there was a teacher kicked out for racism slurs. The university is very outdated, and many of the classrooms have broken items including plugs, which could hurt someone, or shock someone. I used one of these broken items one time in a classroom, and the lights in the classroom flickered. It was shocking experience, and I was definitely worried I was going to get shocked. I had issues with financial aid, since no one explained how it work with paying for school, especially when visiting the financial aid office. I got ripped off during COVID, since the Ben-U-Eats system decided to change their systems, and I lost a lot of money doing a lunch plan there since I made a deposit before COVID. They never offer to return that money, and it took months to get it resolved. They also apparently didn't even put the money into my balance, and the one way I got my money back was through an old receipt from 2020 (sad that their electronic data storage base didn't have that transaction and sad that they didn't know how to add money to a student balance back in 2020). I think their commuter meal plans are very overpriced, and basic, and that you have a better chance of finding good quality food at the community College of DuPage. Otherwise, get food somewhere else, and not here. I had many teachers who did not respond to their emails as well and would often change things to the last minute. There are lots of students who cheated their way during their time here in school, especially during COVID, and there are people who take advantage of the system and can "be sick" and postpone exams for a different day. It's understandable if it's a one-time thing, but I saw a person do it for multiple classes, and between 2-3 weeks for different classes, and actually got away with it, and the person was extremely healthy and fine. It's extremely hard to make friends through this school, since it is a commuter school, and people tend to stand in their packs from High School. Overall, the safety of this school would be marked for B- or C+ due to lots of outdated technology, and it's very possible for someone to get shocked or injured due to the outdated technology at the school. For the academic side, it would definitely be D+ or C-. I definitely feel like the academic side could be improved much more at this school, and the teachers can definitely make some of their material much easier to understand. Lots of the teachers required you to read from the textbooks, and sometimes their lectures are quite confusing. I had a 4.0 GPA at the community college, and I felt like I remember a lot of material from that school compared to this school unfortunately and they also had much better technology to use to help us understand difficult concepts for certain science fields. Another thing to mention is that I tried to get help from tutor hours, and there was no tutor for the class I needed help with. Sometimes the only person that can help you was mostly yourself or sometimes your professor. Lastly, the staff members do not recheck their emails when students are expected to proofread their emails. I had a staff member who was supposed to help me remove my minor for Criminal justice, and instead decided to let me major in Criminal justice, while I was majoring in biochemistry. I thought it was funny that the staff member decided to put me down for a major I didn't want. I just want the minor removed, not a major added, and that unfortunately took a while to address as well with them. If I was given a second chance, I would not attend this private university. It's just saddening me that this was my experience at a private university, and I was definitely expecting a much better outcome since private universities technically give out the vibe that they are these exceptional great schools to learn from prestigious teachers, and I just felt very robbed of that experience when I was here. read more

I am an alumni and I have mixed feelings. First, I was told that 'everyone' gets into the program that is necessary to turn my degree into a career. That was a lie. It turns out the number is closer to 10%. However, believing that lie lead me to pursue a degree and spend $12,000 of hard-earned money. This is a non-profit so I can't understand why they would push us to spend money for a worthless degree. I did have many good experiences at college, and I think this is a good school, and could be a great one, Another issue is very limited class choices making for a difficult time for commuters (ex: class at 8am, next class not till 630 pm, so i have to sit around all day between classes) Also, if you are looking for a predominately Catholic school, you should know, that Benedictine is about 30-40% Muslim. It was interesting to meet this diverse population, but I was disappointed at the lack of Catholic presence on campus, I felt that my faith was weakened, not strengthened. I was also sad at the hatred towards those of Israeli background, and the prejudice that occured towards this group. Yes, i get it, there is a lot of issues with israel and palestine, but cant we all just love eachother? That is my religion- love, and as Benedictine is a Christian school, I think that ought to be the bottom line read more

I was not exactly thrilled with the MSN program at Benedictine University. I started my masters degree "journey" at Chamberlain but then decided to see what BenU had to offer. The professors were great. I also enjoyed the layout of the online program. Group projects were also required which was different than Chamberlain also slightly inconvenient. I was very dissatisfied with attempting to contact people in student finance and academic advising. It took forever to get a hold of someone and they were hardly helpful . At Chamberlain you could reach someone almost immediately and they were always helpful. If you are trying to decide between the two schools I'd choose Chamberlain read more

Currently pursuing my MSN program and I find that I am having many of the same issues that other people are discussing in their reviews. I chose this program because they offered tuition deferment for employer reimbursement meaning my tuition for each class should be due a month after I finish with a passing grade. This requires that I enroll in a payment plan which is difficult to navigate and has led to my receiving a financial hold almost every class. Every time, I reach out to have the issue corrected. It is frustrating and time consuming to keep running into the same problems while being told they are working out the kinks. I have always paid the tuition as soon as my employer reimbursed me, so I am not sure why this is still an ongoing issue. Adding to that frustration, the new system only allows you to access their financial page via Firefox. I like the program itself. It is similar to other online programs such as Chamberlain with posts and responses, papers, test, etc. However, once the class opens on the first official start date, you can access the entire semester so you can work ahead as needed to accommodate daily life and responsibilities. To sum up my personal experience, I like the program but not the administrative/financial support. read more

I received my MPH from this University and the professors were wonderful. I was surprised with the bad reviews, but I realized that most often those who like certain places do not take the time to review them. Most often you find people only taking the time to review places they dislike. From my own experience, this school worked out perfectly for my schedule since I was a part-time employee plus completing medical school. The program was not easy but duable if you place effort. The professors were very helpful and knowledgeable especially Dr. Cheng and Dr. Faisal. I'm graduating this June and I'm glad I attended this University. read more

Do yourself a favor DON'T go here. Stay away. If you want to go to a school where certain whole groups of people cheat, the professors and the administration know about it and do absolutely nothing about it then this is the school for you. Don't question any of the professors here or you won't pass the class. Several professors do not give tests back and you have no idea what was right, wrong or even if they graded it correctly. When I wrote to mr. carroll the president about my concerns he had the vice president contact me. The vice president basically told me if I don't like the school get out, don't come back and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Nice. Not the education that I thought I was paying for. Do yourself a favor if you are a good student (I have a 3.9 GPA) don't waste your time there are a lot better schools out there. Probably any school out there is better than Benedictine. What a flippin disgrace this school is. read more

I'm currently attending BenU in the college of Liberal Arts. I also live on campus. Although this school has its quirks, i still really like it. It's filled with good people and the campus is nice. read more

A good school for undergraduate studies. It has some nice facilities and a fairly decent sized campus. The student body here is great, everybody is friendly and the environment is educational. Its a great place to get a good education. read more

I can not believe how negative some of these reviews are. I have had a tremendous experience with this university both as a student and a community member. The University is very supportive of area organizations, community members and their students. I am recently enrolled in the traditional on campus MBA program and have recieved tons of support and assistance throughout the application process and as any questions arose. I would absolutely recommend this institution to anyone I know is seaking further education. People are responsive, helpful, friendly, and knowledgable. read more

Great professors and environment. Cannot believe all the negative reviews. I was a Bio major and it seems like they put most effort into Science programs. read more

Went to see the plain white tees play. Well organized, clean and friendly. The tees rocked and had a great time!

Been there. The school is horrible. they do a great job welcoming you in but once you are there they will show you the worst time. Not many instructors and very limited number of classes. Good luck graduating on time read more

Attended Benedictine for grad school, so my review is from the standpoint of someone who had a great undergraduate experience at a different school, and was shocked at how different things were at Benedictine. Administratively, Benedictine is very poorly run. Employees don't seem very interested in helping students, which includes the student advisers whose sole job is to help the students. Very disorganized, which is extremely frustrating. While the recruiter was extremely nice during the application process, that completely goes away after starting the program. Students do not feel a connection with the campus or feel as though they are part of a community. Benedictine stops caring about the student experience or about post-graduate job placement, as long you send in the checks. Would not recommend to anyone. read more

Benedictine U. is a decent school, but is currently ranked Tier 2 in the 2014 U.S. News and World Report college rankings.

Firstly, education is ALWAYS what YOU make of it. They are known for their sciences, law enforcement, and to some degree their education. Recently due to the new business building, there is an increased emphasis on that. So know that if you want something other than these four areas maybe you should do some digging and see if their program is actually competitive. It is an above average school all around, and that is what makes is one of the best. The facilities are average, and the teachers are very good, it is closer to the suburbs which is nice for commuting, it actually feeds the students and there is a pretty diverse student population. Not all the teachers will be amazing but undoubtedly there are some gems! Work hard and you can do well here. I am now in medical school thanks in part to the people at BU. Oh and like every school, you have to be on top of your academic adviser, things will get misplaced, schedules mixed up but as long as you are taking responsibility for your education nothing major will happen. read more

I attended this school several years ago. Horrible!! Don't waste your time at this school whole groups of people cheat non-stop the professors are well aware of it and do nothing about it. You can study from now on, but they will get 99% on an organic chemistry test while you get a b or c. Spend your money on a better school don't waste your money here. The only people that give good reviews went to school here and got a job here too. What could you possibly say bad about a school if they are your employer too. All the reviews that say people cheat are right so if you are a cheater go here if not look elsewhere. read more

I have had a wonderful experience at Benedictine. The professors are caring and helpful. I loved the community as I've seen diversity, respect for everyone, and open-mindedness. No tolerance to racism. Although classes were limited, I was able to work out the schedule. They may be strict on attendance but they do accommodate taking an exam later if you have a valid reason. The library is not the best for books but they have ample electronic sources. Above all, the campus is well secured and safe. read more

I spoke to someone last fall and they were super helpful with all of my questions regarding the one year online MBA program. I fell in love with this concept. Now that it was time to apply to the program, I have tried four different times to contact someone over several weeks and have yet to receive a response. I tried twice through the general "Contact Us" on their webpage, I left a voicemail with the person I spoke to last fall, and I found another staff member's e-mail address on a separate/bulk e-mail that I received. All I wanted was to get some final questions answered about the application process. Not only did I decide after no response to take the summer off before enrolling in a graduate program (rather than going straight out of my current bachelor's adult program at another university), I decided I'm not going to Benedictine either. At what I'm paying per credit hour, I absolutely refuse to "beg" to attend any school's graduate program. read more