Benedictine University | CPT Program, Perks & Scholarships

About Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private Catholic institution located in Lisle, Illinois, with an additional campus in Mesa, Arizona. Founded in 1887, the university offers a welcoming and diverse environment where international students can thrive academically and personally. Rooted in Benedictine values such as community, respect, and lifelong learning, Benedictine University provides a well-rounded liberal arts education with strong programs in business, health sciences, and technology. The campus emphasizes global engagement and cultural understanding, offering support services and activities that help international students adapt smoothly to life in the U.S. while preparing them to become ethical leaders in a global society.

Why Students Choose Benedictine University

CPT Policy at Benedictine University

Benedictine University adheres to USCIS regulations to authorize CPT for international students.

Current OPT and F1 students may obtain CPT Authorization from Day 1.

Overseas applicants may obtain CPT Authorization from Day 1.

CPT authorization needs to be renewed every year.

CPT is required for graduation.

The practicum/CPT experience is an integral part of the MS program and participation is required.

CPT is authorized from day 1 for the duration of the 22-month program with no gaps or breaks.

Students who have not yet secured an job opportunity will be given a grace period to secure CPT eligible employment.

Programs Offered

All programs below include CPT as a curricular component.

Overview The Master of Science in Data Analytics program at Benedictine University is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of data analytics. Through an industry-aligned curriculum, students will develop the technical and analytical skills necessary to process and ...

Apply & Unlock Benefits → Application Guide

TBD

Apply & Unlock Benefits → Application Guide

Exclusive Benefits via Day1CPT

Only available when you apply through Day1CPT.

Free Lifetime RFE Support

We provide the documentation that the government specifies must come from a university in the RFE.

Priority Application Support

Dedicated advisor to guide you through every step: documents, I-20, CPT authorization, and more.

GoElite Rewards Program

Join our Day 1 CPT Community for points and exchange them for gift cards of Starbucks, Amazon, Visa, and more!

Alumni Network Access

Join 500+ Day1CPT alumni at this university for mentorship, referrals, and career connections. Don't miss this chance!

Scholarship Details

Qualification-based scholarships and benefits are available exclusively to international students who apply through Day1CPT. The awards waiting for you range from $2,000 to $8,000 per academic year. Apply and unlock your benefits today!

Sign in to view exclusive benefits

Create a free Day1CPT account to unlock scholarship details, priority application support, and more.

Sign In Create Account

Admission Requirements

1

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (any field)

2

Minimum GPA of 2.5 (undergraduate)

3

English proficiency: TOEFL 79+ or IELTS 6.5+ (waived for some countries)

4

Copy of valid passport

5

Two letters of recommendation

6

Statement of purpose (500–800 words)

7

Current resume / CV

8

Application fee: $35 (waived for Day1CPT applicants)

Start Your Application →

Student Reviews

★★★★★

5.0

(reviews coming soon)

<

Claire Boyle

9 months ago

★★★★★

Well-Rounded Education

I loved my experience at Benedictine University! I'm proud that I graduated from this school! I loved that the class sizes were small and that you actually got to know your professors. Some of my favorite memories include studying abroad in Morocco with faculty and students, going to NYC for Model UN with our class and winning an award, working in the library, learning all I could about Global Studies and the Arabic language, performing with the Concert Choir, taking voice lessons, and being involved with Catholic-Muslim Dialogue. I had a well-rounded education, and I can tell you all that BenU more than prepared me for grad school at DePaul University as a history MA student. My research skills were refined and honed at BenU, and I'm honored that I was first accepted as a student at Benedictine, and second of all, that I graduated from here! I highly recommend BenU to anyone, especially those who want more of a personal and academic experience out of college as well as the ability to commute to school. Go Eagles!

<

Emerson Wang

10 months ago

★★★★★

Great Facilities

Loved this place and constantly checked its development on Google Maps every year as I had left the place 8 years ago. I miss the classrooms, the trading lab, and the professors at this university. Love BenU and eagle for life.

<

Jenn Griffin

2 years ago

★★★★☆

Dedicated Faculty

Benu is a quaint little university here in the burbs. The teachers and admin are really dedicated to the overall success of the students, whatever their goals may be.

If you’re still trying to decide on what you want to study, it’s a good school too; teachers will help you find your passion.

They need to improve their academic advising, it's the only thing, but if you find upperclassmen who can help you navigate your college experience, you’ll be fine.