Benedictine College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college located in Atchison, Kansas. Founded in 1858, the college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, theology, and the humanities. In this essay, we will explore the pros and cons of Benedictine College.
Pros of Benedictine College:
- Catholic identity: Benedictine College has a strong Catholic identity that is reflected in the college’s mission, values, and curriculum. The college offers a range of opportunities for students to deepen their faith, including daily Mass, retreats, and service projects.
- Strong academic programs: Benedictine College offers a range of strong academic programs in fields such as business, education, theology, and the humanities. The college has a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for success in their future careers.
- Small class sizes: With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, Benedictine College offers small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and interaction with professors. This creates a supportive learning environment that helps students to thrive academically.
- Location: Benedictine College is located in a small town in northeastern Kansas, which offers students access to a unique cultural and geographic landscape. The area is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant arts community.
- Community engagement: Benedictine College is committed to community engagement and service. The college offers many service-learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. This helps students to develop a sense of social responsibility and leadership.
Cons of Benedictine College:
- Limited diversity: While Benedictine College is committed to creating an inclusive community, the student body may be less diverse compared to larger universities. This may impact students who are looking for a more diverse environment.
- Limited extracurricular activities: While Benedictine College offers a range of extracurricular activities, the options may be more limited compared to larger universities. This may impact students who are looking for a wide variety of clubs and organizations to join.
- Limited graduate programs: Benedictine College does not offer a wide range of graduate programs compared to larger universities. This may impact students who are interested in pursuing graduate education in specific fields.
- Cost: Benedictine College is a private institution, which means that tuition and fees can be expensive. However, the college does offer financial aid and scholarships to help students afford the cost of attendance.
- Limited job prospects: Benedictine College is located in a rural area with a limited job market. This may impact students who are looking for job opportunities after graduation, especially in certain fields.
In conclusion, Benedictine College is a strong choice for students who value a Catholic liberal arts education in a supportive community with a commitment to community engagement and service. The college offers strong academic programs, small class sizes, and a unique cultural and geographic landscape. However, the limited diversity, extracurricular activities, graduate programs, cost, and job prospects may impact some students’ decision to attend Benedictine College. Ultimately, it is important for students to carefully consider their academic and career goals when choosing a college, and to weigh the pros and cons of each institution before making a decision.