Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are your admission criteria?
2. How can I find out what scores I need to achieve on AP tests to receive college credit? 
3. How can I find out what scores I need to achieve on IB tests to receive college credit?
4. What percent of your students live on campus?
5. What do students do for fun on the weekends? Do they stay on campus?
6. Is SJU an all men’s school and CSB an all women’s school?
7. How will my credits transfer?
8. How much does it cost to attend?
9. Are all students who attend CSB/SJU Catholic? Are there required religion classes?
10. What kinds of internships are available?
11. Where can I find the Campus Security Report?  

4. What percent of your students live on campus?

Eighty percent of our students live on campus, and that means more than having a room in a residence hall. CSB/SJU students are always on campus. Whether students want to get together for a study group, grab a bite to eat, go to a movie, or cheer on the Blazers and Johnnies, they do it all on campus. Part of the college experience is being a member of the campus community. Even the 20 percent of students that choose to live off campus don’t go very far. The majority of them can be found within walking distance of CSB in the town of St. Joseph, so they can still easily attend all the events and take part in activities on campus.

5. What do students do for fun on the weekends? Do they stay on campus?

There is always something going on right here at CSB/SJU. Students don’t go home on weekends because they don’t want to miss the opportunities on campus. Wherever your interest might lie, there is an activity for you.

The Joint Events Council (JEC) is a student-run programming board that hosts more than 100 events a year for little to no cost to the students. Those events include everything from comedians in one of the two campus nightclubs to blockbuster movies on the big screen and from elegant formal dances to huge outdoor concerts.

There are also more than 80 other clubs and organizations sponsoring events. O’Connell’s Nightclub and Brother Willie’s Pub host their own events every weekend. Whether there is a DJ blaring 80’s tunes or a ska band performing, you can join the dancing crowd.

CSB/SJU also host a performing arts series on both campuses. The Partners in the Arts series hosts regional and national acts throughout the year. The series covers the entire spectrum of the arts from the Minnesota Orchestra to Ondekoza Demon Drummers of Japan.

There are also countless sporting events on both campuses year round. You can join the boisterous crowd at everything from swim meets to soccer games. CSB/SJU not only have a tradition of excellent athletic teams, we have a tradition of incredible fan support for all of the teams. To put things in perspective, the schools’ total enrollment is around 3,900 students, but the average attendance at home a football game is more than 6,000.

6. Is SJU an all men’s school and CSB an all women’s school?

Yes . . . No. . . Maybe? We have taken the best of what women’s, men’s and coed colleges offer and combined them in a way you won’t find at another pair of colleges in the nation. Student services and residences are structured to fulfill the needs of men at SJU and of women at CSB, but the student experience is not limited by the location of a residence hall. Men and women attend classes together on both campuses, join clubs and organizations on both campuses, and utilize the facilities on both campuses. Men are in the field house at CSB. Women are in the Science Center at SJU. Men and women are everywhere on both campuses. After a few days at CSB/SJU they cease to be two separate campuses and simply become "home."

7. How will my credits transfer?

Many students are entering their first year with credits already earned. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis, but here are the general guidelines. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University will accept credits from another college that meet the following criteria:

• The college is regionally accredited (i.e. North Central accredited)
• You received a C or greater in the class
• The class is 100 level or greater
• CSB/SJU have a similar course

In some cases, students may apply these courses toward core and/or major requirements. Grades earned for transferred coursework are not calculated into the student's cumulative GPA. Submit an official transcript from the college you received credit from when you apply. You will receive a preliminary transcript evaluation upon acceptance. Consult the Registrar's Office for further information.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University also accept credits gained through Advance Placement Tests, International Baccalaureate Program, and College Level Placement Tests. Consult the Registrar’s Office, the Academic Advising Office, or the Admission Office for current departmental policies. Link to Community College Transfer Guides

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides examinations to evaluate nontraditional college-level education; it assists colleges in developing appropriate procedures for placement, accreditation, and admission of transfer students; it assists adults who wish to continue their education to meet licensing and certification requirements. College credit will be given for successful subject examinations. The granting of credits is subject to approval by the appropriate academic department. College-Level Examination Program Policy

9. Are all students who attend CSB/SJU Catholic? Are there required religion classes?

Students of all faiths are welcome at CSB/SJU and can experience a meaningful faith life on campus. Sixty-eight percent of students on campus are Catholic. Campus Ministry and other organizations on campus are open to all students regardless of religious affiliation and offer a wonderful opportunity to share your faith journey with others. Campus Ministry assists students who need transportation in order to attend services of other denominations.

There are no required "religion" courses, but students are required to take two theology courses as part of the core curriculum. These courses explore the questions about the reality of God, the meaning of human existence and the relationship between God, humanity and the world. Some of the courses offered include "Religions of the World," "Studies in Jewish Thought" and "The Reality of God."

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Office of Admission College of Saint Benedict Saint John's University PO Box 7155 Collegeville, MN 56321 (800) 544-1489 (320) 363-2196 (320) 363-2750 (fax) E-mail admissions@csbsju.edu