(KAIR)--Special honors for Atchison's Benedictine College, as Four Distinctions LLC, a company dedicated to higher education, has again named Benedictine as one of its Catholic Colleges of Distinction.  The College of Distinction designation is given to select schools to honor their excellence in student-focused higher education.  Along with Creighton University and St. Louis University, Benedictine is one of the few in the Midwest named to the list and is the only Catholic college in Kansas to receive the honor.

 “We focus on colleges that are the best places to learn, grow and succeed,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor of Colleges of Distinction. “Schools designated as ‘Colleges of Distinction’ create well-rounded graduates and are among the very best in the country.”

 The Colleges of Distinction website and its Catholic Colleges of Distinction list provide students, counselors, and parents with information about schools that excel in four key areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes.  The organization describes schools that take a holistic approach to admissions decisions, consistently excel in providing undergraduate education, and have a truly national reputation.

 “One of the key things that draws students to Benedictine is our wonderful sense of community and belonging,” said Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College.  “Community is part of our mission and we believe we do that better than anyone else.  On top of that, we stress academic excellence and our students are finding that they are prepared to succeed in life after college.”

 Benedictine participated in the national Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory survey in 2013.  The results showed that Benedictine College scored higher than other 4-year private institutions nationwide in 11 of the 12 categories and significantly higher in 7 categories, including academic advising, instructional effectiveness and campus life.  The college also recently completed the 56,000 square-foot Ferrell Academic Center and added several new majors, including nursing and chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

 Colleges and universities are nominated for participation in Colleges of Distinction by high school counselors, and then evaluated using qualitative and quantitative research.  The website, www.CollegesofDistinction.com, offers free dynamic college profiles and easy-to-use search tools for students, parents, and counselors. It also includes tips from high school guidance counselors, essays from college students, presidents and other members of campus communities.

 Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas.  The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide.  It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging.  It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.