Saint Johns University

About Saint Johns University

Saint John's University rises from the rolling forests of central Minnesota, occupying 2,900 acres of pristine woodland near the town of Collegeville. Founded in 1857 by Benedictine monks, the university maintains its monastic heritage while providing a liberal arts education that prepares students for lives of meaning and purpose. The male students at Saint John's partner with the College of Saint Benedict, a women's college just four miles away, sharing academic programs, dining facilities, and social activities while maintaining distinct residential communities. Together, the institutions enroll about 3,400 students, though Saint John's alone counts approximately 1,470 men on its campus. The abbey church, designed by renowned architect Marcel Breuer and completed in 1961, stands as an architectural landmark and spiritual anchor for campus life. Benedictine monks continue to live and work on campus, their presence a daily reminder of the values that have shaped the institution for more than 165 years. Students here develop close relationships with faculty mentors who challenge them to think critically, write clearly, and engage the ethical dimensions of every discipline. The rural setting encourages outdoor exploration, with campus trails winding through forests that change dramatically with Minnesota's seasons.

Saint John's University welcomes applicants through a straightforward admissions process that evaluates academic preparation, personal character, and potential contributions to campus life. The acceptance rate of approximately 90 percent reflects the university's commitment to providing access to Benedictine education for students who demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Prospective students submit high school transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation through the Common Application or the university's own platform. Test scores remain optional, allowing students to decide whether SAT or ACT results strengthen their applications. The admissions committee looks for students who have challenged themselves academically, participated meaningfully in extracurricular activities, and shown qualities of leadership and service. Average GPAs for admitted students fall between 3.3 and 3.9, with the middle 50 percent of standardized test scores spanning a reasonable range. Transfer students find a welcoming community and work with advisors to apply previous coursework toward degree requirements. Campus visits offer the best introduction to Saint John's, as the unique partnership with Saint Benedict and the stunning natural setting require firsthand experience to fully appreciate. Financial aid packages combine institutional grants, work-study opportunities, and federal aid to make private education affordable for families across the economic spectrum.

Academic life at Saint John's University centers on the liberal arts tradition enriched by Catholic intellectual heritage and Benedictine values. Students choose from approximately 60 majors and minors, with strong programs in biology, political science, English, and theology attracting significant enrollment. The coordinate relationship with the College of Saint Benedict means students access courses on both campuses, effectively doubling their academic options. Class sizes average around 18 students, enabling discussion-based learning and close interaction with professors who prioritize undergraduate teaching. The university requires all students to complete a common curriculum that includes courses in writing, theology, ethics, and cross-cultural engagement, ensuring graduates possess broad intellectual foundations alongside specialized knowledge. Undergraduate research opportunities abound, with summer programs supporting student-faculty collaborations in laboratories, archives, and field sites. The Center for Global Education facilitates study abroad experiences in more than 15 countries, and roughly 30 percent of students spend a semester learning internationally. Pre-professional preparation in medicine, law, and business benefits from dedicated advising and high acceptance rates to graduate programs. The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library houses one of the world's most significant collections of medieval manuscript photographs, providing unique research opportunities for humanities students and visiting scholars.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Rural campus with natural surroundings and tight-knit community
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Saint John's blends the traditional men's college experience with the coeducational reality created through partnership with Saint Benedict. Men live on the Saint John's campus in residence halls that range from traditional double rooms to suite-style accommodations, while students from both institutions share classes, meals, clubs, and social events. The Johnnies compete in NCAA Division III athletics, fielding 13 varsity sports with football holding particular importance in campus culture. Game days in fall bring alumni back to campus, and the rivalry with nearby St. Olaf College generates intense student enthusiasm. Beyond varsity athletics, intramural and club sports engage students who want competition without the time commitment of intercollegiate teams. Campus ministry programs rooted in Benedictine spirituality offer retreats, service trips, and daily Mass for students seeking faith development. The student senate represents undergraduate interests, while numerous clubs covering interests from outdoor recreation to cultural awareness provide community for students with shared passions. Annual events include the traditional Chapel Walk during orientation, the Pines concert featuring student bands, and graduation ceremonies held outdoors with the Breuer church as backdrop. Weekends might find students hiking campus trails, traveling to Saint Ben's for events, or making the hour-long trip to Minneapolis and St. Paul for concerts and professional sports.

Location & Surroundings

Collegeville occupies a rural stretch of central Minnesota roughly 80 miles northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The town itself consists primarily of the Saint John's campus and abbey, with the nearest commercial development in neighboring St. Joseph and Avon. This isolation creates a focused academic environment but requires students to drive for shopping, dining, and entertainment beyond what the campus provides. The Twin Cities offer professional sports, major concerts, renowned museums, and diverse dining options for students willing to make the journey. Closer to campus, St. Cloud provides a mid-sized city experience with a population of roughly 70,000 and the additional amenities that St. Cloud State University brings. Minnesota's natural beauty defines the area, with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness accessible for adventurous weekend trips and closer state parks offering hiking, camping, and lake recreation. Winters bring significant snow and temperatures that frequently drop below zero, though students quickly adapt and embrace activities like cross-country skiing on campus trails. The Mall of America in Bloomington provides shopping and entertainment during Twin Cities visits. Most students arrive with cars, as public transportation in rural Minnesota remains limited, though the campus shuttle connecting to Saint Benedict runs regularly throughout the day.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Saint Johns University offers various financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and payment plans. The financial aid office helps students explore funding opportunities. Career services connect students with employers and support professional development, with graduates finding success across diverse industries.