College of Saint Benedict cited as one of 10 best Catholic colleges in U.S.

What does the College of Saint Benedict share with the University of Notre Dame, the College of the Holy Cross, Georgetown University, Boston College and Villanova University?

USA Today cited each as one of the top 10 best Catholic colleges and universities in the country as ranked by College Factual. College Factual is a site that uses outcome-based data to guide students through the college selection process. CSB was ranked No. 8 among schools that recorded their religious affiliation as Roman Catholic.

The list, which was published in the May 18 edition of USA Today, used College Factual’s 2015 overall college rankings. The overall college rankings are based on 11 different factors, including average test scores; average faculty compensation; expenditures per student; student to faculty ratio; percent of full-time teachers; first-year retention rate; six-year graduation rate; expected vs. actual graduation rate; student loan default rate; starting salary boost; and mid-career salary boost.

According to USA Today, CSB “has a solid reputation for developing students intellectually, spiritually and ethically. The school is committed to providing an environment that helps students maintain and strengthen their faith as they work to earn their undergraduate degrees.”

The CSB section concludes, “Saint Benedict is a great option for students who are looking for a dynamic education, while maintaining a strong connection to their faith.”

 “It is always gratifying to receive external endorsement of our efforts. We know that in order for the transformational and holistic development of women to take place, we must attend to all of their needs: academic, social, and spiritual,” said Mary Dana Hinton, CSB president.  “This ranking is a testament to the importance of our holistic approach and of our Catholic and Benedictine heritage.”

“The Sisters and the College of Saint Benedict have had a long and rich partnership since the founding of CSB,” said S. Michaela Hedican, OSB, prioress of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, the founding order of the college. “As we approach our second century with the college, we look forward to enriching that partnership and continuing to embed the Benedictine values into the experiences of the young women Saint Ben’s serves.”

Notre Dame was ranked No. 1, followed by No. 2 Holy Cross, No. 3 Georgetown, No. 4 Boston College, No. 5 Villanova, No. 6 Santa Clara University and No. 7 Providence College. Rounding out the top 10 were No. 9 Fairfield University and No. 10 Gonzaga University. 

Saint John’s University was ranked No. 14.