250 New Scholarships for America’s 250th Birthday
Benedictine College has set a goal of 250 new scholarships to change the lives of students and create future leaders in communities across the globe, leaders instilled with community, faith and scholarship.
- We want to give the nation 250 scholarships and help ensure that no student who belongs at Benedictine College should be denied this unique education because of lack of resources.
- This gift of life-changing scholarships will coincide with the opening our new Independence Hall Library, a showcase for the founding principles of America which are a beacon worldwide.
“Benedictine College has never been stronger and the future has never been brighter. With enrollment increases, new buildings, increased academic reputation, a commitment to service, as well as new programs like the proposed medical school it is clear that we have never been more ready to go Forward, Always Forward, Everywhere Forward.”
“Of course, our students cannot do it alone, they need your help. Every one of our students who are poised to Transform Culture in America, receive financial aid and it is through endowed scholarships we can ensure that students will always be able to obtain the education and formation offered at Benedictine College.”
“At a moment in history when the culture is broken and needs to be transformed, it is Ravens who will step up to be the change the country needs.”
“But only if you will help them achieve this.”
— Stephen D. Minnis, President
Educating America’s Future Leaders
Benedictine College will “enroll, engage and educate students capable of transforming the world through intellectual, personal, and spiritual greatness.”
— Benedictine College’s Transform Culture in America Strategic Plan
The success of the college’s transformative mission will depend on its ability to continue to attract top students. Benedictine College is attracting more students, and higher achieving students, than ever before.
- Benedictine College has a uniquely strong Catholic identity and strong academics: We are featured in both the Newman Guide and in top 10 lists in the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News.
- Benedictine College’s enrollment has increased steadily for decades. The college has opened 14 new residence halls in 15 years to keep up with exploding enrollment.
- Freshmen entering Benedictine College have the highest average SAT scores and highest GPAS in Kansas and the highest in the school’s history.
But…
Benedictine College’s successes cannot be taken for granted. Demographic and economic realities will make those successes increasingly difficult to replicate.
- The number of college-age students is decreasing dramatically throughout the U.S. and Midwest and private college enrollment is decreasing at a faster rate.
- Worries about student debt load are increasingly in the news.
- Many natural candidates for a Benedictine College education come from larger families or lower income families.
- The competition for top-rated students is very high.
Currently the college scholarships about 50% of its already below-market tuition to 99% of its students
— and in many cases this is still not enough.
Garrett’s Story
My name is Garrett Massie. I’m a junior who recently transferred to Benedictine College as of fall 2025. It is nothing short of divine intervention that brought me here. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. There I spent my early years in an orphanage, with an untreated cleft palate. I was adopted in September 2009, at the age of 4½, by an incredible American woman— my mother. From the moment she welcomed me into her life, she embraced every challenge head-on.
Some being: multiple surgeries, countless therapy sessions, and the emotional, physical, and financial demands that came with helping me heal and grow. More than anything, she gave me unconditional love.
The Raven Standard
“Benedictine College intends to educate men and women committed to personal, spiritual, and intellectual greatness by providing intentional formation in community, faith, and scholarship.”
— Benedictine College’s Transform Culture in America Strategic Plan
The Benedictine College Raven Standard forms Christ Centered students who transform the world through our mission of community, faith and scholarship.
- Doctors. Benedictine College has a long and proud track record of launching successful medical careers. Ravens are physicians at Mayo, running clinics, and teaching at KU Med. The college’s Transform Culture in America plan commits the college to health care, as does its proposed new medical school.
- Christian Leaders. In The Church in America, St. John Paul II called on colleges to “train truly Christian leaders in the different spheres of human activity, and in society, especially in politics, economics, science, art and philosophical reflection.” Benedictine College has created a Center in each area to form students according to his plan.
Raven Characteristics
The Raven Standard is designed to form students in the key elements of the Benedictine College Mission and Values:
Above all,
a Raven is Christ-Centered.
Community
A Raven is collaborative, hospitable, and engaged.
Faith
A Raven is faithful, steadfast, and joyful.
Scholarship
A Raven is thoughtful, competent, and committed to greatness.
Noelle’s Story
My name is Noelle Burgwald, and I am overjoyed to share that I am now a sophomore at Benedictine College!
This would have not be possible without God working through you—and the incredible Raven community.
Last fall, I enrolled at Benedictine with the help of several academic scholarships, but I still needed part-time jobs to cover the remaining costs. As the second semester began, I started to understand the structure of the nursing program and what the next three years would entail. I realized that once clinicals began and the workload intensified, I would have little to no time for part-time work. With that realization, transferring at the end of the year seemed like the most practical choice. Waiting any longer could mean missing the chance to enroll or falling behind in another nursing program. Reluctantly, I found a more affordable college closer to home.
To discuss your donation plans or how you can help us reach the 250 for 250 goal, please contact:
