Pros & cons of College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) are two Catholic liberal arts colleges located in central Minnesota. They share a campus and a curriculum, with students from both colleges taking classes together. In this essay, we will examine the pros and cons of attending the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University.

Pros of College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University:

1. Strong academic programs: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University offers a wide range of academic programs across several disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The colleges are particularly well-known for their programs in nursing, business, and education.
2. Personalized attention: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a low student-to-faculty ratio, which means that students receive personalized attention from their professors. This can create a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
3. Campus community: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a strong sense of community, with a diverse student body and a variety of student organizations and clubs. This can provide students with a supportive and engaging learning environment.
4. Location: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University is located in central Minnesota, which provides students with access to a range of outdoor activities and cultural events. The area is also located near other major cities in the Midwest, which can provide students with additional opportunities for exploration and growth.
5. Resources and facilities: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a range of state-of-the-art facilities and resources that can provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills that can help them succeed in their careers. This includes a science center, a business center, and a variety of research opportunities.

Cons of College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University:

1. Limited diversity: While the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a diverse student population, the colleges may not have as much diversity as larger universities. This can limit exposure to different perspectives and cultures, which may be a disadvantage for some students.
2. Limited course offerings: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a limited number of course offerings, which may be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a more robust range of classes and electives.
3. Rural location: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University is located in a rural area, which may not be the best fit for students who are looking for a more urban or suburban campus environment.
4. Cold climate: The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University is located in a region with a cold climate, which may be a disadvantage for students who are not accustomed to the weather.
5. Limited extracurricular options: While the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University has a range of student organizations and clubs, the colleges may have a more limited range of extracurricular options compared to larger universities.

In conclusion, the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University offers strong academic programs, personalized attention, campus community, location, and resources and facilities. However, the colleges may not be the best fit for all students, as they have limited diversity, limited course offerings, rural location, cold climate, and limited extracurricular options, which may not suit everyone. Ultimately, students should carefully consider their individual goals and preferences before deciding whether the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University is the right choice for them.