Benedictine University (BenU) has announced the launch of an innovative new program to simplify and streamline the admissions process for students and families through a partnership with Niche Direct Admissions®.
Based on the information provided in their Niche profile, qualified students across Illinois and the U.S. who meet Benedictine University’s enrollment criteria will immediately be notified that BenU would love for them to join its incoming class.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to help students see their potential and take that next step with confidence,” said Benedictine University Executive Director of Enrollment Matthew Jones. “By removing additional barriers to access, we’re inviting more students to belong to our community and truly become the best versions of themselves.“
Direct admissions programs are rapidly expanding nationwide and increasing in popularity as more forward-thinking colleges look to adopt a modernized, student-friendly process. These programs help break down barriers to enrollment, encouraging more students (especially Pell Grant-eligible, first-generation, and underrepresented students) to pursue higher education.
Every year, one in two college-bound seniors creates a profile on Niche, and more than 50 million people rely on the platform to research and choose their best-fit college. With Niche Direct Admissions, a TIME 2024 Best Inventions winner, students who meet criteria set by the institutions will instantly know their acceptance status, receive scholarship offers upfront, explore detailed information about the college, and begin the enrollment process, all within their Niche account.
This program allows Benedictine University to expand their reach beyond traditional regions, helping more students discover and connect with institutions outside their home state.
“Niche is changing how colleges connect with students and build their future classes,” says Luke Skurman, Founder and CEO of Niche. “Niche Direct Admissions provides admissions teams the tools to deliver the speed, transparency, and personalization today’s students and families expect.”
