When considering higher education options in the United States, one of the most important questions prospective students and families ask is about the cost of tuition. Benedictine College, a private liberal arts college located in Atchison, Kansas, is known for its strong academic programs, community values, and campus life. Like many private colleges, the cost of attending Benedictine includes tuition and fees, which can be a significant part of the overall college expense. Understanding what tuition costs at Benedictine College helps students plan financially, compare with other institutions, and explore financial aid and scholarship options that may reduce outofpocket expenses.
What Is Tuition at Benedictine College?
Tuition at Benedictine College varies depending on the program of study and the level of coursework. For the typical undergraduate program, tuition and fees for the academic year 2024-2025 are estimated to be around $36,350. This amount represents the cost of mandatory tuition and basic institutional fees for fulltime undergraduate students attending Benedictine College.
For graduate students, tuition and fees are generally lower. The graduate school tuition & fees for the same academic year is reported to be approximately $6,670.
These figures reflect the sticker price before any financial aid, scholarships, or grants are applied. Tuition can also be viewed in terms of cost per credit hour, which helps students calculate costs for parttime or overloaded course loads. For example, the 2025 undergraduate tuition per credit hour at Benedictine College is about $975, whereas graduate programs are roughly $1,000 per credit hour.
Tuition Per Credit Hour
- Undergraduate tuition per credit hour about $975 in 2025.
- Graduate tuition per credit hour about $1,000 in 2025.
Understanding tuition on a percredit basis is useful for students who may take fewer than the standard fulltime course load or who need to plan more precisely for summer or additional coursework.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
Tuition is only one part of the total cost of attendance at Benedictine College. Students also need to account for other expenses, such as room and board, books and supplies, and personal or travel expenses. These additional costs can vary widely depending on whether a student lives on campus, off campus, or commutes from home.
Typical Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance includes tuition plus
- Room and board – approximately $13,430 for oncampus living or $10,000 for offcampus living.
- Books and supplies – estimated at around $1,200 per year.
- Personal expenses and other living costs – variable, often between $4,350 and $4,450.
Adding these expenses to tuition results in an estimated total cost of attendance of about $55,430 for students living on campus and about $51,900 for students living off campus.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
While the sticker price of tuition and cost of attendance may seem high, many students do not pay this full amount due to financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Benedictine College offers a variety of institutional scholarships, merit awards, and needbased aid to make tuition more affordable for qualified students.
Types of Financial Aid
- Merit scholarships based on academic achievement.
- Presidential and fulltuition scholarships for highachieving students.
- Scholarships for transfer students and students with strong academic records.
- Athletic awards available for students participating in varsity sports.
- Firstgeneration student scholarships and other special awards.
Financial aid may significantly reduce the amount families are required to pay. The average net price after financial aid can be substantially lower than the sticker price, depending on a student’s circumstances, income, and eligibility for grants or aid. Some students at Benedictine College receive institutional awards that cover a major portion of tuition costs.
Scholarship Examples
Benedictine College awards fulltuition scholarships to select students, including National Merit Finalists and top performers in the Presidential Scholarship competition. Additional merit scholarships are based on standardized test scores and GPA measurements that help reduce tuition costs for many students.
Other financial aid options such as federal grants, workstudy programs, and student loans may also help cover part of the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Factors That Affect Tuition Costs
Several factors contribute to the variation in tuition costs at Benedictine College. These include
- Level of study – undergraduate vs. graduate programs.
- Course load and number of credit hours taken.
- Choice of oncampus or offcampus living arrangements.
- Financial aid or scholarships awarded.
Graduate students, for example, may see a different tuition structure, often based on parttime or percredit charges specific to their program, such as the Master of Business Administration or education degrees, where tuition per credit hour may vary slightly by program requirements.
Planning for Tuition Increases
Colleges may adjust tuition annually based on inflation, rising educational costs, and institutional priorities. At Benedictine College, undergraduate tuition increased by a few percent in recent years, reflecting this common trend. Students and families should plan for potential increases when budgeting for a multiyear degree program.
How to Budget for Benedictine College
Budgeting for Benedictine College tuition involves considering not only the base tuition but also fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and potential travel costs. Many families use financial aid packages, payment plans, and savings strategies to manage these expenses effectively. Some students also qualify for external scholarships or employer tuition assistance programs, which further offset the cost of attendance.
Tips for Financial Planning
- Use the college’s net price calculator to estimate personalized costs.
- Apply early for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Compare tuition costs and financial aid packages with other colleges.
- Consider living at home or off campus to reduce room and board costs.
Understanding the tuition for Benedictine College is essential for students planning to attend this private institution. The annual tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are around $36,350, while graduate tuition and fees are approximately $6,670. Tuition varies based on factors such as program, credit hours, and financial aid. Additional costs like room and board, books, and supplies further contribute to the total cost of attendance. However, scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial planning can significantly lower the effective price that students and families pay. By preparing in advance and exploring all financial aid options, students can make informed decisions about attending Benedictine College and managing tuition expenses effectively.