Benedictine University Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Benedictine University, established in 1887 by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey, is a private Catholic institution with campuses in Lisle, Illinois, and Mesa, Arizona. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition, the university emphasizes a liberal arts education that fosters lifelong learning and personal growth. Its mission is to create an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching, learning, scholarship, service, truth, and justice, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the principles of the Rule of St. Benedict.

Campuses

• Lisle, Illinois: The main campus spans 108 acres in a suburban setting, approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago.

• Mesa, Arizona: Established in 2013, this branch campus extends Benedictine's reach to the Southwest, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Key Strategic Focus

Academic Programs

Benedictine University offers a comprehensive array of programs:

• Undergraduate Degrees: 42 majors and minors across disciplines such as science, liberal arts, business, education, and health services.

• Graduate Degrees: 14 master's and doctoral programs, including Business Administration (MBA), Public Health (MPH), and Nursing (MSN).

• Certificate Programs: 8 certificate programs designed for professional development and specialization.

Global Partnerships

The university has established international collaborations to expand its educational offerings:

• China: Partnerships with Shenyang University of Technology and Shenyang Jianzhu University to offer MBA and Master of Science in Management Information Systems programs.

• Vietnam: Collaborations with Vietnam National University in Hanoi and Binh Dong University in Ho Chi Minh City to provide graduate programs in business administration and management information systems.

Corporate Partnerships

Benedictine University engages with various corporate partners to offer educational benefits to employees, including tuition discounts and tailored programs. Notable partners include Memorial Health, Northwest Community Healthcare, RML Specialty Hospital, Rush Copley Medical Center, and Trinity Health.

Financials and Funding

Fiscal Year Ending May 2023

• Revenue: $96.1 million

• Expenses: $97.5 million

• Net Assets: $99.6 million

• Total Assets: $176 million

• Total Liabilities: $76.6 million

The university reported a net loss of approximately $1.35 million for the fiscal year.

Leadership Team

• President: Dr. Joseph J. Foy (2023–Present)

• Background: Dr. Foy brings extensive experience in higher education leadership and a commitment to the university's mission and values.

• Provost/Chief Academic Officer: Dr. Katherine (Kate) Lang

• Background: Dr. Lang oversees the academic programs and initiatives, ensuring the quality and integrity of the university's educational offerings.

In 2024, the university implemented a reduction of 40 faculty and staff positions to address financial challenges and align resources with strategic priorities.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Benedictine University operates within the competitive landscape of private Catholic higher education institutions in the United States. The market is characterized by a focus on liberal arts education, integration of faith-based values, and a commitment to community service.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Belmont Abbey College: Located in Belmont, North Carolina, Belmont Abbey College is a private Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1876 by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey. It offers a range of undergraduate programs and emphasizes a Benedictine educational tradition.

• Mount Marty University: Based in Yankton, South Dakota, Mount Marty University is a private Benedictine institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1936, it focuses on liberal arts education within a Catholic framework.

• University of Mary: Situated near Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary is a private Benedictine university founded in 1959. It offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs and maintains a strong commitment to its Catholic identity.

• College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University: These two closely related private Benedictine liberal arts colleges in Minnesota offer a shared curriculum and resources. The College of Saint Benedict is for women, and Saint John's University is for men. Together, they provide over 70 areas of study to undergraduate students.

• College of St. Scholastica: Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the College of St. Scholastica is a private Benedictine college founded in 1912. It offers a liberal arts education and enrolls approximately 3,000 students.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Benedictine University has established significant collaborations to enhance its educational offerings and community engagement:

• Corporate Partner Program: The university partners with various businesses and healthcare systems to provide employees with educational opportunities, including tuition discounts and flexible program formats.

• Employer Services: Through the Office of Career and Personal Development, Benedictine offers employers avenues to connect with students and alumni for employment and internship opportunities, including job postings, on-campus recruiting, and participation in job fairs.

Operational Insights

Benedictine University's strategic considerations include:

• Market Position: As a private Catholic institution, the university emphasizes a values-based education that integrates faith and reason, distinguishing it from secular competitors.

• Competitive Advantages: The university's commitment to the Benedictine tradition, diverse program offerings, and strategic partnerships with corporate entities and international institutions enhance its appeal to a broad student demographic.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Benedictine University aims to:

• Expand Online Education: Enhance and diversify online program offerings to meet the growing demand for flexible learning options.

• Strengthen Corporate Partnerships: Develop additional collaborations with businesses and healthcare systems to provide tailored educational programs and workforce development initiatives.

• Enhance Global Engagement: Build upon existing international partnerships to offer more study-abroad opportunities and cross-cultural experiences for students.

• Focus on Financial Sustainability: Implement strategies to address financial challenges, including optimizing resource allocation and exploring new revenue streams.

Contact Information

• Website: Benedictine University

• Social Media:

• Facebook: Benedictine University Facebook

• Twitter: Benedictine University Twitter

• LinkedIn: Benedictine University LinkedIn

• Instagram: Benedictine University Instagram

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Benedictine University's current status, strategic initiatives, and competitive landscape, offering insights into its operations and future directions.